Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the predominant form of chronic rhinitis, impacting around 10-20% of the population. 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 100 patients, aged between 18 and 50 years old, who had a history of AR and were clinically diagnosed based on AR criteria. 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: 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 significantly improved in Group 2 than Group1 after 1and 2 months (P value<0.05).
Conclusions: Patients treated with Fluticasone nasal spray alone or in combination with Azelastine nasal spray experience significant improvement in various complaints as evidenced by improved VAS scale regarding (rhinorrhoea and sneezing) and A-NOSE score regarding (both trouble breathing through the nose and the inability to get enough breath during exercise).