DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2013.v01i06.0105

Pages: 1160-1164

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a heterogeneous disorder that despite its high prevalence is often undiagnosed. It is characterized by one or more symptoms including sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and rhinorrhea. Many causative agents have been linked to AR including pollens, molds, dust mites, and animal dander. The objective of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) with antihistamines in treating AR, with a focus on symptoms including itching, sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, as compared to INCS alone. Methods: This research was conducted on a sample of 60 patients, aged between 18 and 50 years old, who had a history of AR and were clinically diagnosed based on AR criteria. Study conducted at Department of Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January to June 2013. It was ensured that these patients had not used nasal steroids in the month before to the commencement of baseline measurements. The study design was randomized and prospective, using a controlled approach. The patients were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: Group 1: treated with local corticosteroids alone (Fluticasone). Group 2: treated with local corticosteroids and antihistaminic spray (Fluticasone + Azelastine). Results: Total 60 patients included un both Groups. Nasal symptoms were insignificantly different between both groups before treatment. Two nasal symptoms were insignificantly different between the two groups while rhinorrhoea and sneezing were significantly improved in Group 2 than Group 1 after 1 and 2 months (p-value<0.05). Nose symptoms were insignificantly different between both groups before treatment. Nasal congestion or stuffiness, nasal blockage or obstruction and trouble sleeping were insignificantly different between both groups while trouble breathing through the nose and unable to get enough through my nose during exercise or exertion were signi