Effects of Combined Visible and Infrared Light Rhinophototherapy in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis

Background Intranasal phototherapy offers an alternative treatment method for patients with allergic rhinitis who cannot benefit from intranasal corticosteroids and oral antihistamines. Different wavelengths have been tried with promising results. Objective In this present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of visible light-infrared light phototherapy on clinical improvements together with its cytologic effects in patients with allergic rhinitis. Methods Patients with confirmed allergic rhinitis were given a 4-week course of intranasal phototherapy treatment. Weekly symptom questionnaires were applied to monitor clinical effects. Nasal lavage specimens were obtained before the start and at the completion of the 4-week therapy. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analyses of CD16(+), CD24(+), and CD 45(+) cells were performed. Statistical analyses are performed of weekly changes in symptoms and cell counts. Results CD45(+)CD16(high)CD24(+) neutrophil count in nasal lavages decreased significantly whereas CD45(+)CD16(dim/-)CD24(+) eosinophil counts significantly increased and CD45(+) granulocyte counts remained unchanged. Symptom scores including nasal itching, nasal discharge, nasal obstruction, sneezing, eye itching, throat itching, and ear itching all statistically decreased compared to baseline at the end of 4 weeks. Conclusion Four-week course of intranasal phototherapy with visible and infrared light leads to clinical improvement in allergic rhinitis patients.