Analyze Different Drugs For Treating Allergic Rhinitis In Adults. A Cross-Sectional Study

Original Article

Abstract

Background: One of the most frequent and unfavourable medical conditions affecting a significant percentage of adult people worldwide is allergic rhinitis. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of several pharmaceutical medications commonly prescribed to adults for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.

 Study design: A Cross- Sectional Study.

 Duration and Place of Study: This study was conducted at Department of Pulmonology, Gujju Khan Medical College, Swabi from 15th Jan 2022 to 15th Jan 2023.

 Material and Methods: 88 adult patients who had received a verified diagnosis of allergic rhinitis. The study evaluated the effectiveness, safety, and patient-reported results of three main categories of pharmaceuticals: antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists. The participants were randomly allocated to one of the therapy groups and assessed for 8 weeks. A range of both objective and subjective outcome measures, including symptom scores, quality of life ratings, and evaluations of adverse events, were documented and analyzed..

 Results: Thirty of the eighty patients received antihistamines, twenty-seven received intranasal corticosteroids, and thirty- one received leukotriene receptor antagonists. The average age of the groups receiving antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists was 38, 39, and 44 years, respectively. Sixty-six per cent of the antihistamine group, fifty-four per cent of the intranasal corticosteroids group, and sixty-six per cent of the leukotriene receptor antagonist group were female. The group using antihistamines showed a 50% improvement, the group using intranasal corticosteroids showed a 71% improvement, and the group taking leukotriene receptor antagonists showed a 12% improvement. The most common antihistamine side effects were headache (8.33%), tiredness (15%), and nasal dryness (11.67%). The most common symptoms associated with intranasal corticosteroids were headache (5.45%), drowsiness (3.64%), and nasal dryness (5.45%). Nasal dryness (8.33%), drowsiness (10%), and gastrointestinal issues (8.33%) were the most common side effects associated with leukotriene receptor antagonists. Participants who used antihistamines (55%), intranasal corticosteroids (82%), and leukotriene receptor antagonists (67%) reported no adverse effects. These results demonstrate that all three treatments had little side effects and were well tolerated.

Conclusion: This study has shown that the administration of intranasal corticosteroids and antihistamines, as opposed to leukotriene receptor antagonists, yields better results for patients with allergic rhinitis in terms of improved quality of life and symptom relief.