Treatment of Olfactory Dysfunction in Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

• Change From Baseline in Total Nasal Symptom Score at 2 Weeks [ Time Frame: baseline and 2 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  A decrease in scores between visits signifies an improvement in nasal symptoms. The total nasal symptom score can range from 0 to 27.
• Change From Baseline in Nasal Peak Inspiratory Flow at 2 Weeks [ Time Frame: baseline and 2 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]
  An increase between visits indicates improved nasal airflow.
• Change From Baseline in Percentage of Eosinophils at 2 Weeks [ Time Frame: baseline and 2 weeks ] [ Designated as safety issue: No ]

  A decrease between visits signifies a reduction in inflammation.

  Calculated from cytology specimens obtained by lavage.

• Symptoms
• Parameters of nasal physiology

People with allergies frequently complain of a loss or reduction in the sense of smell.

In this study, the investigators propose to perform a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled parallel study of subjects with nasal allergies and decreased smell to determine the effect of a treatment for allergies on the sense of smell.

• Drug: Mometasone
  2 puffs in each nostril once daily of nasal spray
  Other Name: Nasonex
• Drug: Placebo
  2 puffs in each nostril once daily of nasal spray

• Active Comparator: Mometasone
  Mometasone intranasal steroid therapy daily for 2 weeks
  Intervention: Drug: Mometasone
• Placebo Comparator: Placebo
  2 puffs of placebo spray in each nostril once daily
  Intervention: Drug: Placebo

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Males and females between 18 and 59 years of age.
2. Seasonal allergic rhinitis by clinical history, with symptoms of impaired olfaction.
3. Positive skin or RAST test to allergen.
4. Symptoms of olfactory dysfunction.
5. No significant history of chronic sinusitis.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Women of childbearing potential not using the contraception method(s) (Birth control pills, depo Provera, double barrier) as well as women who are breastfeeding.
2. Patients with severe medical condition(s) that in the view of the investigator prohibits participation in the study (heart, lung, kidney, neurological, oncologic or liver disease).
3. Use of any other investigational agent in the last 30 days.
4. Absence of olfactory or nasal symptoms.
5. Use of medications that may affect olfaction.
6. Medical conditions that may affect olfaction.
7. Smoking.
8. URI at the time of screening.