Relief of cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis by mometasone furoate nasal spray.

BACKGROUND

Cough commonly occurs as a symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucous membranes that results in rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness/congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS, Nasonex, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ), an anti-inflammatory nasal corticosteroid, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the nasal inflammation of SAR.

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effectiveness of MFNS in relieving SAR-associated cough, in addition to nasal symptoms.

METHODS

This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients 12 years of age or older with > or = 1-year history of SAR symptoms, positive skin test to a prevailing seasonal allergen, moderate nasal symptoms, and moderate cough were treated for 14 days with MFNS 200 microg daily (n = 122) or placebo (n = 123).

RESULTS

The group treated with MFNS showed significant improvement in the daytime cough severity score at endpoint compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Improvement in the nighttime cough severity score showed a trend in favor of MFNS treatment. Treatment with MFNS significantly improved total nasal symptoms in both the daytime and nighttime compared with placebo at endpoint (P < or = 0.017). Overall daytime symptom scores (cough + total nasal) improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.005). Overall nighttime symptom scores improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.028). Treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

MFNS is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of daytime cough associated with SAR.