Breathing Hydrogen Gas Reduces Allergy Symptoms by Improving Nose Bacteria
- Authors
- Nan Wang, Qianzi Ma, Jiayuan Zhai, Yanlu Che, Junjie Liu, Tianwei Tang, Yanan Sun, Jingting Wang, Wanchao Yang
- Journal
- World Allergy Organization Journal
- Year
- 2024
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.waojou.2024.100970
- Study Type
- Human
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Body System
- Respiratory
TL;DR
Inhaling hydrogen gas may help reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis by changing the mix of bacteria in the nose.
Key Finding
Hydrogen gas inhalation significantly improved allergic rhinitis symptoms and reduced inflammatory markers (IgE and eosinophil counts) while shifting the nasal bacterial composition toward more beneficial bacteria.
Summary
Allergic rhinitis is an allergic reaction in the nasal passages that involves an imbalance in immune responses. This study tested whether inhaling hydrogen gas could reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms by changing the types of bacteria living in the nose. Researchers measured symptom severity, immune markers in the blood, and the composition of nasal bacteria before and after hydrogen inhalation. They found that hydrogen inhalation improved symptoms and reduced inflammatory markers, while also increasing beneficial bacteria and decreasing potentially problematic bacteria in the nasal cavity.
Practical Takeaway
This human study suggests hydrogen inhalation may help reduce allergic rhinitis symptoms through changes in nasal bacteria, though the study size was not reported and larger trials are needed to confirm these findings. The safety profile appeared favorable with no adverse reactions reported. More research is required before this can be considered an established treatment approach.
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergic reaction dominated by the Th2 immune response in the nasal mucosa. The bacterial infection process affects the balance between Th1 and Th2 immune responses, and the level of exposure to environmental flora is closely related to the development of AR. Hydrogen (H2) is a medical molecule with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study aimed to explore the possible mechanism of action of H2 on AR through its ability to regulate the balance of nasal flora. Methods: Serum eosinophil count (EOS), immunoglobulin E (IgE) concentration, visual analog scale (VAS), total nasal symptom score (TNSS), and rhinoconjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (RQLQ) were observed before and after hydrogen inhalation in AR patients. Skin prick test (SPT) was used to determine allergen sensitisation. Community composition and relative abundance of nasal flora were examined before and after hydrogen inhalation and in normal subjects using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results: There were no adverse reactions during and after hydrogen inhalation in AR patients, with a favorable safety profile and significant improvements in VAS, TNSS, EOS, and IgE (P < 0.05). Cavity flora 16S rRNA gene sequencing showed higher abundance of Ruminococcus and Erysipelotrichaceae flora in the nasal cavity of AR patients than in normal subjects, and their abundance could be down-regulated after H2 inhalation. H2 significantly increased the abundance of Blautia_faecis and negatively correlated with VAS, TNSS, EOS, and IgE. Conclusions: H2 may improve symptoms in AR patients by modulating the distribution of nasal flora. Trials with larger sample sizes are required to further test this hypothesis. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry (Registration No. ChiCTR2200062253).