Rhinitis, or inflammation of the nasal mucosa, can present with nasal obstruction, nasal discharge, itch or sneezing. If the sinusal mucosa is involved as well, it is called rhinosinusitis and facial pain or loss of smell is possible. Several causes are known, such as an underlying allergy ("allergic rhinitis", AR). If at least 2 symptoms are present for at least 12 weeks, it is called "chronic rhinosinusitis" (CRS). Up to 2/3 of the AR and CRS patients have symptoms upon exposure to triggers such as sudden temperature changes, smoke, fragrances… a phenomenon called "nasal hyperreactivity" (NHR). It is currently not clear why some patients suffer NHR while others do not. In this study, the investigators want to identify the mediators associated with NHR in patients with allergic rhinitis, chronic rhinosinusitis and healthy control subjects.To do so, participants will be provoked with cold, dry air in order to objectively diagnose NHR. Before and after provocation, the peak nasal inspiratory flow will be measured and samples will be collected (nasal secretions, biopsies).
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Objective nasal hyperreactivity
Timeframe: 3 weeks