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Long-term cetirizine treatment reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy

Authors :
Giorgio Walter Canonica
Mariangela Tosca
Giorgio Ciprandi
Giovanni Passalacqua
Source :
Scopus-Elsevier
Publication Year :
2001
Publisher :
Elsevier BV, 2001.

Abstract

Experimental data demonstrate that mite allergy is characterized by persistent chronic inflammation, even during asymptomatic periods. This suggests that long-term continuous treatment be included in the global strategy of allergy treatment.We conducted a study to evaluate whether regularly administered cetirizine reduces allergic symptoms and drug prescriptions in children with mite allergy.In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, two parallel groups of 10 children with mite allergy (mean age: 6.5 years) received either cetirizine or placebo daily for 6 months. Participants were allowed to take rescue medications for rhinitis and/or mild asthma. The symptoms (nasal itching, sneezing, obstruction, rhinorrhea, conjunctival itching, lacrimation, conjunctival hyperemia, cough, wheezing, and chest tightness) were recorded on a diary card. The intake of cetirizine (as additional symptomatic treatment), antibiotics, acetaminophen, beta2-agonists, inhaled and systemic corticosteroids was also recorded.Symptom scores and drug consumption were significantly lower (P0.05) in the cetrizine-treated group versus the placebo group. The greatest reductions were in cetirizine itself, inhaled corticosteroids, beta2-agonists, and antibiotics. No side effects were reported in either group.In mite-allergic children, cetirizine administered daily for prolonged periods decreases symptoms of and drug prescriptions for allergic rhinitis and asthma compared with symptomatic treatment.

Details

ISSN :
10811206
Volume :
87
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
Accession number :
edsair.doi.dedup.....f86288874e95f732cd54d88f84231631
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1016/s1081-1206(10)62230-2