Publication:

Plasma ascorbic acid therapy and eosinophilic counts in allergic rhinitis: a pilot study

Background Role of plasma ascorbic acid in reducing the eosinophilic counts in subjects of allergic rhinitis was studied.

Methods 60 patients were randomly selected from the Rhinology clinics of Oto- Rhino- laryngology and Head-Neck services of a tertiary health care facility. Shift in the eosinophilic counts in three groups of patients i.e., allergic rhinitis, placebo and control groups was analyzed and compared. The study was undertaken in a period of 11/2 years (June 2009 -January 2010) Blood eosinophilic count as %age of DLC was noted.

Results The mean eosinophilic count was elevated in allergic patients (8.009±2.91) with respect to that in the controls (4.70±1.26). It reverted to normal with treatment with vitamin C. No change was seen in the placebo group. (5.45±3.56).

Conclusions Vitamin-c reduces the eosinophilic counts in allergic rhinitis.