PEOPLE who suffer from sneezing and a runny nose all year round are needed to take part in a Worcester research project.

It will test the effectiveness of a particular rhinitis remedy in adults who are allergic to house dust mites that live in all our homes, especially our beds.

In some people they cause allergic reactions such as asthma and persistent rhinitis (runny nose and sneezing).

The National Pollen and Aerobiology Research Unit at the University of Worcester, in partnership with Worcestershire Royal Hospital, is testing Nasaleze, a natural organic hayfever remedy with no known side effects, which can be taken by pregnant women and children.

"We have already carried out trials that showed it worked for hayfever," said Professor Jean Emberlin, director of the research unit.

"We have anecdotal evidence that it also works for people who are allergic to house dust mites, so we are going to do a series of trials under scientific conditions."

Nasaleze is an inert cellulose powder, which seems to work by forming a protective layer over the mast cells in the mucus lining of the nose.

Volunteers will need to be aged over 18, not taking any other medication and prepared to undergo skin tests to find out whether they are allergic to house dust mites.

Double-blind experiments will involve introducing house dust mites to the volunteer's nose and then treating them with either Nasaleze or a placebo and monitoring the results over several hours.

"We are asking people to come here twice, with a week in between, for six hours each time," said Professor Emberlin.

"We will provide meals for them and pay travel expenses."

Anyone interested in taking part should call the research team on 01905 855200 or email pollen@worc.ac.uk for an information pack.