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