Rhinitis symptoms and quality of life in patients with chronic perennial rhinitis treated with desloratadine.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the outcome and the change in quality of life of patients with chronic rhinitis after treatment with desloratadine.

STUDY

DESIGN

A prospective, open-label, non-blinded, non-randomised study of patients in a secondary and tertiary ENT referral centre.

METHODS

Chinese patients with chronic rhinitis were recruited. The patients were assessed by a questionnaire that included rhinitis symptoms score and SF-36 health survey components. Endoscopic assessment was performed with a rigid nasoendoscope and scored according to the modified endoscopic appearance score of Lund and Kennedy. A 12-week course of desloratadine 5 mg daily was prescribed. Patients were re-evaluated after treatment. A total of 47 subjects completed the study.

RESULTS

There were significant reductions in median rhinitis symptoms score, from six to five (p < 0.001), and in median endoscopic appearance score, from five to three (p < 0.001). Patients' general health perception was also improved after treatment (p == 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Desloratadine may be an effective treatment which provides symptomatic relief and improves the quality of life in patients with chronic rhinitis.