Thread Test for Nasal Secretion

Abstract

A new test for the measurement of nasal secretion is described. Secretions from the inferior turbinate are measured with a piece of cotton thread dyed with 10% fluorescin placed on the anterior part of the inferior turbinate for 60 seconds. The length of thread dyed with fluorescin due to nasal secretion is an indicator of the quantity of secretion.
The amount of secretion from 24 normal individuals averaged significantly less than that in 28 allergic individuals. The amount of secretion in 11 allergic individuals was reduced by Ipratropium inhalation. Increased secretion in 17 allergic individuals was observed during provocation by house dust antigen.
These results indicate that this nasal secretion test with a thread dyed with 10% fluorescin is useful for the objective and quantitative measurement of nasal secretion.