As per the findings of a recent study, obesity does not appear to influence nasal physiology and symptoms among allergic rhinitis patients undergoing treatment with nasal corticosteroids. Nonetheless, there was an observable impact on the anti-inflammatory response, as obese individuals demonstrated diminished responsiveness in comparison to those with a normal weight. Researchers sought to assess how body weight influences the effectiveness of treating allergic rhinitis with nasal corticosteroids.

A comparison was made between two groups of subjects suffering from allergic rhinitis: one comprising individuals with obesity and the other consisting of those with normal weight. Assessments, including Nasal Obstruction and Septoplasty Effectiveness (NOSE-5) questionnaires, 22-item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT22), visual analogue scales (VAS), quality of life, peak nasal inspiratory flow, nasal endoscopy and the measurement of nasal cytokines (Interleukin [IL-10], IL-6, IL-5, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-ᾳ, and interferon [INF]-γ) via nasal brushing, were conducted before and after intervention with 400 mcg/day nasal Beclomethasone.

No distinctions were observed between the groups concerning NOSE-5 questionnaires, SNOT22, VAS, peak nasal inspiratory flow, nasal endoscopy, or cytokines (IL-10, IL-6, IL-5, IL-4, TNF-ᾳ, and INF-γ) prior to the initiation of nasal corticosteroid treatment. Both groups exhibited enhancements in VAS, SNOT-22, and NOSE-5 scores, along with an elevation in peak nasal inspiratory volumes following the intervention. Following the treatment, there was a rise in IL-5 and INF-γ within the eutrophic group.

When contrasting the alterations in cytokine levels pre and post treatment across groups, it was evident that IL-10 exhibited altered behavior depending on the weight of the individuals. Nasal symptoms and physiology did not appear to be influenced by obesity, and obese individuals exhibited a comparable clinical response to nasal corticosteroid treatment as normal-weight patients. Nevertheless, obese patients demonstrated a compromised anti-inflammatory response during the course of nasal corticosteroid treatment.