The Effect of Nasal Steroid and Antihistamine Use on Total Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant Status in the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study is to determine the post-treatment levels of total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), that are increased due to pathophysiology, and to compare those with pre-treatment levels in allergic rhinitis patients. Material-Methods: Among 84 patients clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis, 31 patients were started only on nasal steroid treatment (mometasone furoate), and 53 patients were started on nasal steroid and oral antihistamine treatment (mometasone furoate + rupatadine fumarate 10 mg). Blood samples were taken from the patients at the first examination and at post-treatment month 1.TAS and TOS were measured from the blood samples.

RESULTS: While no significant change was determined in mean TAS levels with treatment, a statistically significant decrease was determined in TOS values in post-treatment period (P < .01). There was no significant change in TAS and TOS values of patients only using nasal steroids, while a significant decrease was determined in post-treatment TOS values of patients using both nasal steroids and oral antihistamines (P < .001). It was determined that TOS values of women were significantly lower compared to men, and it was also reduced in seasonal allergic rhinitis compared to perennial allergic rhinitis (P < .05 for both).

CONCLUSION: In allergic rhinitis patients, concomitant use of nasal steroids and antihistamines significantly decreases total oxidative stress. It may be stated that the addition of antihistamines to allergic rhinitis treatment positively affects treatment.