Tryptase and ECP are related to olfactory dysfunction in allergic rhinitis

: Objective:Olfactory dysfunction is one of the common symptoms in patients with allergic rhinitis(AR),but the underlying mechanisms are not yet known.The purpose of this study was to explore the underlying mechanisms which tryptase and eosinophilic cationic protein(ECP) lead to olfactory dysfunction in patients with AR.Method:We have compared the results between tryptase,ECP,nasal airway resistance and olfactory function of the patients with AR and analyzed the correlations between them.Result:Patients with AR showed impaired olfactory functions compaired to the control group,but there was no differences in the nasal airway resistance between the two groups.Nasal secretion analysis in the patients with AR showed that the level of tryptase and ECP was increased in comparison with the controls.Conclusion:The increase of tryptase and ECP in the olfactory cleft can lead to olfactory dysfunction in patients with AR.