Using Intranasal Corticosteroids and Oral Antihistamines to Treat Allergic Rhinitis: A Comparison of The Mean Total Nasal Symptom Score
Abstract
Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global public health issue. The disease is a leading cause of death and disabilities globally. Objective: To compare the mean total nasal symptom score using intranasal corticosteroids with oral anti-histamine in management of allergic rhinitis. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial. Settings: Department of ENT, Shalamar Medical and Dental College/ Shalamar Hospital, Lahore Pakistan. Duration: 1st January 2023 to 30 June 2023. Methods: 100 cases equally divided in two groups A&B, Intranasal corticosteroids were administered in Group A and oral anti-histamine in Group B cases, The final evaluation was done after 4 weeks of treatment. Results: Comparison of mean total nasal symptom score using intranasal corticosteroids with oral anti-histamine in management of allergic rhinitis shows that 1.51 ± 0.37 score in Group-A and 1.27 ± 0.11 score in Group-B, (p-value < 0.05). Conclusion: We found that the use of intranasal corticosteroids resulted in a substantially reduced mean total nasal symptom score compared to the use of oral anti-histamine in the treatment of allergic rhinitis.