鼻アレルギーに対するレーザー治療の検討

―鼻粘膜血行動態を中心に―

抄録

We applied CO₂ laser to treat perennial nasal allergy caused by house dust. Among 30 patients treated, 24 showed a more than 50% reduction of symptoms after 5 laser treatments over a 4-month period. Sneezing and nasal discharge were greatly decreased but not nasal obstruction. Microcirculation of the nasal mucosa was measured by a tissue spectrum analyzer. The level of IHb as a marker of hemoglobin was significantly lower (p<0.05) in the allergic mucosa (49.5±10.6) than in the normal (64.8±12.3). It increased significantly just after the laser vaporization, then gradually decreased to the normal level. But in the non-effective group, it went down to the pre-treatment level. Histologic findings in the treated mucosa were squamous epithelization, neovascularization and fibrosis of subepithelial layer. There were no side effects in any of the treated patients.
Allergic reactions might be inhibited by structural changes of the nasal mucosa, especially in the superficial layer of the subepithelium where allergic reactions may take place. This treatment is easy, safe and suitable for children and pregnant women, since there are no side effects.