Long-term cetirizine treatment reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy.

BACKGROUND

Experimental data demonstrate that mite allergy is characterized by persistent chronic inflammation, even during asymptomatic periods. This suggests that long-term continuous treatment be included in the global strategy of allergy treatment.

OBJECTIVE

We conducted a study to evaluate whether regularly administered cetirizine reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy.

METHODS

In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, two parallel groups of 10 children with mite allergy (mean age: 6.5 years) received either cetirizine or placebo daily for 6 months. Participants were allowed to take rescue medications for rhinitis and/or mild asthma. The symptoms (nasal itching, sneezing, obstruction, rhinorrhea, conjunctival itching, lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness) were recorded on a diary card. The intake of cetirizine (as additional symptomatic treatment), antibiotics, acetaminophen, beta2-agonists, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids was also recorded.

RESULTS

Symptom scores and drug consumption were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the cetrizine-treated group versus the placebo group. The greatest reductions were in cetirizine itself, inhaled corticosteroids, beta2-agonists, and antibiotics. No side effects were reported in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

In mite-allergic children, cetirizine administered daily for prolonged periods decreases symptoms of and drug prescriptions for allergic rhinitis and asthma compared with symptomatic treatment.