First Large-Scale Study Links Nasal Anatomy to Allergy Symptoms at Key Conference
A pioneering study presented at the Western Allergy Conference 2025 is the first large-scale investigation to explore the impact of nasal anatomy on upper airway allergies, utilizing real-world data from thousands of patients. This study stands out as the first to incorporate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling alongside real-world patient data, representing a significant shift in allergy research and paving the way for personalized, precision medicine in the field.
A groundbreaking study presented at the Western Allergy Conference 2025 explores the relationship between nasal anatomy and allergy symptoms. Led by Dr. Trisha Saha Ray, a Harvard allergist, and a multidisciplinary team of researchers, the study uses real-world patient data to examine how specific nasal cavity dimensions influence upper airway allergies. By analyzing patient data from thousands of individuals, the study provides a first-of-its-kind look at how nasal anatomy affects allergy symptom severity and how it may predict individual responses to allergens.
The research team focused on Depth-to-Height Ratio (DHR) calculations, which assess the relative proportions of the nasal cavity, in order to understand their relationship to allergy symptoms. In addition to DHR, the study also incorporated real-time telemetry data from Sonu, an FDA-approved wearable device designed for drug-free nasal congestion relief. Using Sonu, patients were able to track their symptoms and device usage over time, providing valuable insights into how their nasal anatomy correlates with their allergy symptoms. This long-term data analysis revealed a clear connection between nasal structural differences and symptom burden, suggesting that the shape and size of the nasal cavity could play a significant role in how individuals experience and manage their allergies.
Dr. Ray emphasized the importance of the study: “This is the first time researchers have been able to study the nasal anatomy’s impact on allergies at scale. By analyzing data from thousands of patients over an extended period, we’re moving closer to personalized treatment strategies for allergy sufferers worldwide.” This groundbreaking work may pave the way for more individualized treatments, offering a deeper understanding of the factors contributing to allergy symptoms and leading to more targeted interventions.
One of the key innovations of this study is the use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling, which allowed researchers to explore how the physical structure of the nasal cavity affects airflow and congestion. By combining CFD with nasal anatomy data gathered from smartphone facial scans, the research team was able to identify structural features that contribute to heightened sensitivity and congestion. These features include certain variations in the nasal cavity that may cause a patient to experience more severe allergic reactions.
The study’s approach represents a paradigm shift in allergy research. By using real-time patient data, advanced modeling techniques, and a diverse patient population, the team has demonstrated that nasal anatomy can be a critical factor in understanding and managing allergic rhinitis and other related conditions. Their findings offer new insights into how nasal structure influences the severity of allergic symptoms, which could lead to more effective, anatomy-based treatments.
This study was sponsored by SoundHealth, a medical technology company specializing in improving respiratory and mental health through artificial intelligence and medical science. In collaboration with top academic institutions such as Stanford University, Harvard Medical School/Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the University of California, San Francisco, the study marks a significant milestone in the field of allergy research. The ability to correlate nasal anatomy with allergy symptoms on such a large scale opens the door for more personalized approaches to treatment, allowing healthcare providers to tailor interventions based on individual structural factors.
For SoundHealth, the research is a testament to the potential of combining cutting-edge technology with healthcare to improve patient outcomes. The company’s wearable device, Sonu, played a pivotal role in collecting data on patient symptoms and device usage, offering a non-invasive way to monitor congestion and allergy relief over time.
The findings from this study could have a significant impact on the treatment of allergic rhinitis and other conditions related to nasal congestion. As researchers continue to explore the connections between nasal anatomy and allergy symptoms, this work could lead to new ways to diagnose, prevent, and treat allergies more effectively, ultimately improving the quality of life for millions of people around the world who suffer from nasal congestion and other allergy-related symptoms.
About SoundHealth
SoundHealth is a medical technology company focused on using artificial intelligence and medical science to improve respiratory and mental health. The SoundHealth team consists of medical professionals, data scientists, and engineers dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative solutions and technologies.
