Comparative clinical effectiveness of oral probiotics and oral fexofenadine in patients with allergic rhinitis: a prospective study

Basti Shriya; Sawant Shweta; Darshan M

doi:10.51168/06trtw67

Authors

Dr. Shriya Basti Assistant Professor, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Shweta Sawant Associate Professor, Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India.
Dr. Darshan M Assistant Professor, KVG Medical College, Karnataka, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51168/06trtw67

Keywords:

Allergic Rhinitis, Probiotics, Fexofenadine

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is caused by immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated reactions to inhaled allergens and is one of the most common chronic conditions globally. Treated by multi modal therapy it involves methods to reducing allergen oral or topical anti-histamines, intranasal or systemic corticosteroids and oral probiotics.

Objective

1. Comparing the efficacy of oral probiotics and fexofenadine 120 mg in alleviating the symptoms of allergic rhinitis.

2. To compare the effect of the two drugs on nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and nasal itching.

3. Evaluating changes in Total Nasal Symptom Score after taking oral probiotics and fexofenadine.

4. Determining the more effective medication for each symptom in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis.

Method

A total of 120 patients visiting ENT OPD, Navodaya medical college, Raichur undergoing treatment for allergic rhinitis were included in the present study for period of 18 months from June 2023 to December 2024. 60 patients were given oral fexofenadine and 60 patients were given oral probiotics. Selection of the patients was done randomly.

Results

The participants were assessed through the Total Nasal Symptom Score (TNSS), where they were evaluated based on nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, itching, and other symptoms that impacted their sleep, lifestyle, and productivity. Probiotics yielded a better effect in treating nasal congestion, while fexofenadine 120 mg was more effective in treating the symptoms of runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Out of all the evaluated symptoms, only one of them (runny nose) was found to be statistically significantly reduced with fexofenadine.

Conclusion

Oral probiotics may help in relieving nasal congestion, whereas fexofenadine 120 mg helps in treating rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching, particularly rhinorrhea.

Recommendation

Larger prospective studies are needed to ascertain efficacy, treatment length, and use as adjunctive therapy in individuals with allergic rhinitis and nasal obstruction.

Author Biographies

Dr. Shriya Basti, Assistant Professor, Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India.

is an Assistant Professor at the Karwar Institute of Medical Sciences, Karwar, Karnataka, India. Her ORCID is 0000-0002-4680-1853. She contributed to the clinical and academic aspects of this study.
Dr. Shweta Sawant, Associate Professor, Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India.

is an Associate Professor at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India. Her ORCID is 0000000206040412. She contributed to the clinical assessment, data collection, and interpretation of the study findings.
Dr. Darshan M, Assistant Professor, KVG Medical College, Karnataka, India

is an Assistant Professor at KVG Medical College, Karnataka, India. His ORCID is 0009-0008-7506-8495. He is the corresponding author and contributed to study coordination, data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and final review.

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