Assessment of quality of life measured by rhinoconjuctivits quality of life questionnaire in patients of allergic rhinitis treated with commonly used oral antihistaminics

Background: Nasal and non-nasal symptoms in allergic rhinitis (AR) can be assessed by measuring health related quality of life (HRQOL). Present study was to assess the impact of use of antihistaminic in AR which will affect the work productivity, sleep, frequent visits to health care professional and expenditure on medicines. For this evaluation, Rhinoconjuctivits Quality Of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) has been used.Methods: In this study 52 patients with AR were randomized in an open-label, 4-arm, parallel group, single center study. Questionnaire information was obtained about allergy-related RQLQ. Subjects received either Tablet Cetirizine 5 mg, Levocetirizine 5 mg, Loratidine 5 mg or Fexofenadine 120 mg. Changes from baseline until the end of study visit (1 week following) were evaluated by RQLQ.Results: When compared between treatment groups using one-way ANOVA it was observed that there is no variation in RQLQ overall Score in all the four treatment groups and there is no difference from treatment to treatment. Overall RQLQ score was reduced maximum in Levocetirizine group. Individual symptoms of RQLQ that is sleep score, non-hay fever, practical problem, nasal symptom score, Eye symptom Score, activities Score, and emotion score were also improved in the Levocetirizine group.Conclusions: Patients of all four study groups showed an improved perception of their HRQL according to the RQLQ. Significant improvements are reported in nasal symptoms, daily activities, sleep and psychological impact. Our results provide support for an AR and its impact on quality of life. Our recommendation stipulating that levocetirizine is superior to rest drug group for the treatment of AR with safety and tolerability.