OBJECTIVETo investigate the bacteriological character and pH value in nasal cavity and observe the efficacy following 8 week treatment with Budesonide aqueous nasal spray in chronic nonallergic rhinitis.

METHODSForty-two patients with chronic nonallergic rhinitis were treated with Budesonide aqueous nasal spray (256 microg once daily intranasal) for 8 weeks. Bacteriological character was measured before and 8 weeks after treatment All the swab specimens were obtained from the inferior meatus, bacteriologic outcome was determined by general cultures. Nasal pH value was measured by using a probe sited under the inferior turbinate before and after treatment. Efficacy was evaluated by measurement of nasal symptom scores and sign scores before and 8 weeks after treatment.

RESULTSThe bacterial growth was present in 37 of 42 cases (88%) before the treatment (group 1), including 53 aerobic bacteria. The bacterial growth was present in 38 of 42 cases (90.47%) 8 weeks after treatment (group 2), including 46 aerobic bacteria. There was no significant difference in the bacterial distribution between group 1 and group 2 (chi2 = 0.416, P > 0.05). Budesonide aqueous nasal spray reduced pH value from 7.90 +/- 0.39 to 7.70 +/- 0.23 (t = 2.72, P < 0.05). All the parameters of symptoms were improved after treatment, including nasal obstruction, nasal secretions, itchy feeling of the nose, closed rhinolalia and headache.

CONCLUSIONSGlucocorticoid aqueous nasal spray could be used safely for eight weeks and does not increase the risk of aerobes and fungi infection and reduce the pH in chronic nonallergic rhinitis. It is effective in relieving symptoms of patients with chronic nonallergic rhinitis.