[ comparative study of two treatment protocols in short course control of symptoms of allergic rhinitis patients]

Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disorder and its prevalence appears to be increasing. For writing prescription we have to consider some points: efficacy, safety and affordability of drugs and compliance of patient. According to the direct costs of allergic rhinitis, we selected two treatment protocols for comparison. 15 to 65 years-old patients suffered from clinical allergic rhinitis at least from one year ago [with annual not seasonal signs and symptoms] referred to Emam Reza hospital arranged in two treatment groups sequentially. After recording the first part of the questionnaire [about their symptoms] treatment started with two protocols. The first was less expensive one included first-generation antihistamine [Chlorpheniramin] and systemic decongestant [Pseudoephedrine] and the second more expensive one consisted of secondgeneration antihistamine [Loratadine] with inhaled corticosteroid [Beclomethasone]. After 45 days the second part of the questionnaire was completed. The patients who changed their jobs during this period were omitted from study. The two protocols were compared with each others by statistics software. Two protocols had similar efficacy on improvement of symptoms such as rhinorrhea, nasal or pharyngeal dryness and itching nasal congestion, PND and sneezing. According to the high price of second protocol and same efficacy of two protocols in some situations such as lack of drug affordability and patients' preference if there are no contraindications the first protocol could be a good alternative for second one

Nasopharyngeal tuberculosis: a case report presenting with neck mass

Tuberculosis is a common infectious disease. Nasopharyngeal involvement is a rare finding. We present a case [33-year old female] of known chronic renal failure with primary nasopharyngeal tuberculosis. The only manifestation of disease was bilateral cervical lymphadenopathy. There were no tuberculosis lesions in other organs. Diagnosis was made based on result of pathological examination of biopsy. Improvement was obtained by anti tuberculosis therapy. Tuberculosis must be considered in differential diagnosis of nasopharyngeal mass