Pharmacology · single question
Increase in nasal congestion is primarily due to which mediator?
Show answer and explanation
Correct answer: B. Histamine
Histamine (B) is the primary mediator responsible for nasal congestion in allergic rhinitis. Histamine (released from mast cells via IgE-mediated degranulation) acts on H1 receptors in nasal vasculature causing:
• Vasodilation → increased blood flow to nasal mucosa
• Increased vascular permeability → edema/swelling
• Glandular hypersecretion → runny nose
• These collectively produce nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.
• Bradykinin (A): mediates pain and vasodilation; important in ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema. Not primary in nasal congestion.
• Prostaglandins: contribute to inflammation but secondary to histamine in nasal congestion.
• Treatment: antihistamines (H1 blockers) and intranasal corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis.
• Vasodilation → increased blood flow to nasal mucosa
• Increased vascular permeability → edema/swelling
• Glandular hypersecretion → runny nose
• These collectively produce nasal congestion and rhinorrhea.
• Bradykinin (A): mediates pain and vasodilation; important in ACE inhibitor-induced angioedema. Not primary in nasal congestion.
• Prostaglandins: contribute to inflammation but secondary to histamine in nasal congestion.
• Treatment: antihistamines (H1 blockers) and intranasal corticosteroids for allergic rhinitis.