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Histamine blockers or anti-allergic drugs can effectively improve asthma control in patients with both asthma and allergic rhinitis.
A recent review published in the “NPJ- Primary Care Respiratory Medicine” journal shed light on the potential benefits of anti-allergic medications for improving asthma outcomes in patients suffering from asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR, also known as hay fever).
Asthma and hay fever are widespread co-existing respiratory conditions, and controlling AR symptoms has been implied to positively affect asthma control. But how effective are conventional anti-AR treatments in managing asthma symptoms? Ellen Tameeris and colleagues seek to answer that question.
The systematic review, which scrutinized 33 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) from leading databases such as Embase, Medline, and Cochrane, found some intriguing outcomes. These trials assessed the effects of antihistamines, corticosteroids, and leukotriene receptor antagonists in improving asthma outcomes. The trials included both objective and subjective asthma outcomes, directed towards a comprehensive view of treatment efficacy.
While overall asthma symptoms did not show major improvements in subjective measures, there were notable enhancements in general well-being. In fact, 5 studies reported significant and clinically relevant improvements in this parameter. Moreover, 4 studies showed significant improvements in objective assessment of asthma control. However, when comparing treatments, corticosteroids suggestively outpaced leukotriene receptor antagonists in improving asthma outcomes.
Interestingly, antihistamines showed more frequent significant improvements in both objective and subjective outcomes than corticosteroids, suggesting they may also help manage asthma symptoms alongside allergic rhinitis therapy. In conclusion, antihistamines may offer greater benefits than corticosteroids in managing asthma outcomes, highlighting the importance of early treatment of nasal allergies to improve asthma control and patient well-being.
Npj- Primary Care Respiratory Medicine
The effect of allergic rhinitis treatment on asthma control: a systematic review
Ellen Tameeris et al.
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