Overview
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the effectiveness of various combination therapies compared to monotherapies in treating allergic rhinitis (AR). The study analyzed data from 53 randomized controlled trials, focusing on combinations such as antihistamines (ATH) with decongestants, leukotriene receptor antagonists (LTRA), or saline irrigation, and intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) combined with intranasal antihistamines, LTRA, decongestants, or saline irrigation.
The Takeaways
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Combining ATH with decongestants improved nasal symptoms more effectively than ATH alone.
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ATH combined with LTRA showed enhanced nasal symptom relief in patients with perennial AR.
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ATH with saline irrigation improved both symptoms and quality of life.
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INCS combined with intranasal antihistamines improved nasal and ocular symptoms, as well as quality of life, compared to INCS alone.
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Adding LTRA to INCS improved ocular symptoms but not nasal symptoms.
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INCS with saline irrigation improved quality of life but did not significantly affect symptoms.
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No additional benefits were observed when adding oral antihistamines or topical decongestants to INCS.
Why It Matters
Allergic rhinitis significantly impacts patients' quality of life, and optimal treatment strategies are essential for effective symptom management. This study provides evidence that certain combination therapies can offer superior relief compared to monotherapies, guiding clinicians in personalized treatment approaches for AR patients.
The Link to Allermi
Allermi's formulations incorporate evidence-based combinations of intranasal corticosteroid, micro-dosed decongestant and antihistamine, aligning with the study's findings that such combinations can effectively improve nasal and ocular symptoms and enhance quality of life for individuals with allergic rhinitis.
For more details, refer to the full study: Combined medical therapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis: Systematic review and meta-analyses.
