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 (excerpt)
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…