Desloratadine-montelukast combination improves quality of life and decreases nasal obstruction in patients with perennial allergic rhinitis.

Background: The effects of desloratadine-montelukast combination on quality of life (QoL) and nasal airflow of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) has not been reported. The objective of this work was investigate the efficacy of desloratadine-montelukast combination on nasal obstruction and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of patients with PAR.
Methods: The patients with PAR (n = 40) were assessed using acoustic rhinometry (AcR) and Rhinoconjunctivitis QoL Questionnaire (RQLQ) before therapy. Desloratadine-montelukast fixed-dose combination treatment was applied to every patient once daily. The AcR and RQLQ score were reevaluated at the first and third months; and statistical comparison of pretreatment and posttreatment results was performed.
Results: Nasal symptoms and signs such as itching, sneezing, discharge, congestion, and edema, and color change of turbinates have been decreased after treatment. In AcR, minimum cross-sectional area (MCA) measurements and volume results were increased after the treatment. Correlation was found between the volume results and nasal discharge and/or congestion in right nasal passages. In left nasal passages, statistical relation was observed between the MCA and itching and/or change of turbinate color (p < 0.05). A significant decrease in the overall RQLQ score was determined at the first and third months of therapy. The difference between scores at baseline and end of the first and third months for all domains was statically significant (p < 0.001). The treatment difference in change from the first month to the end of the third month was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Desloratadine-montelukast combination therapy causes subjective and objective decrease in nasal obstruction, reduces the other symptoms of PAR and improves the disease-specific QoL.
(© 2013 ARS-AAOA, LLC.)