The Effect of the Combined Use of Immunotherapy and Topical Steroid on the Quality of Life in Allergic Rhinitis Patients

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The management of allergic rhinitis includes allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy. Only a few studies have compared the clinical efficacy of the two treatments. We conducted a study to compare the efficacy of immunotherapy (IT), a topical steroid (TS), and combined therapy (IT+TS) in allergic rhinitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The three groups (IT11 patients, TSten patients, IT+TSten patients) were treated for six months and were evaluated using questionnaires and a physical exam before and after treatment. RESULT: Overall symptoms were reduced after six months of treatment in all groups. In the IT+TS group, signs and symptoms diminished more than those in the IT or TS groups. Difference in skin test sensitivity among the groups was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Combined use of immunotherapy and a topical steroid was more effective than either therapy alone in reducing the signs and symptoms of allergic rhinitis.