title: A panel study to evaluate quality of life assessments in patients suffering from allergic rhinitis after treatment with a Chinese herbal nasal drop.
abstract: Allergic rhinitis impairs quality of life (QOL). To assess the changes in QOL of patients with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) after treatment with Allergic Rhinitis Nose Drops (ARND), 35 patients were divided into 2 groups in a randomized, double-blinded and placebo-controlled study, with a cross-over arrangement over 7 weeks, applying ARND or placebo. Group A (n = 20) started with ARND first for 2 weeks followed by a 3-week washout before placebo for the last 2 weeks, while Group B (n = 15) started with placebo first and finished with ARND after washout. The changes in Clinical Symptoms Score (CSS) and QOL were observed. A decrease in CSS was observed in patients of both groups after treatment with ARND, but no change was observed with the placebo. Group A patients also showed significant improvements in complexion and sleep (P < 0.05 for both) after treatment with ARND, but no change with the placebo. Group B patients showed significant improvements in appetite and digestion (P < 0.01) as well as joy (P < 0.05) after cross-over treatment with ARND, but no change with the placebo. ARND may have a therapeutic effect by relieving clinical symptoms and improving the QOL in patients with PAR.
authors.affiliation: Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau SAR, China. shchui@diagnostix.com.hk
authors.forename: Shiu Hon
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Chui
authors.forename: Siu Lam
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Shek
authors.forename: Ming Yiu
authors.initials: MY
authors.lastname: Fong
authors.forename: Yim Tong
authors.initials: YT
authors.lastname: Szeto
authors.forename: Kelvin
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Chan
mesh_terms: D000281:Administration, Intranasal; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002648:Child; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008517:Phytotherapy; D011788:Quality of Life; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004365:Drugs, Chinese Herbal