Phototherapy in allergic rhinitis

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis, commonly known as hay fever, is a condition characterized by the inflammation of the nasal passages caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold. It affects approximately 10-30% of the global population, and its symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, nasal congestion, itchy eyes, and throat irritation. One of the treatment options for allergic rhinitis is phototherapy, a non-invasive and drug-free approach that has shown promising results in managing the condition. Objectives. The main objective is to study phototherapy in the treatment of allergic rhinitis compared with placebo therapy. We want to apply an effective therapeutic method, a safe one, without notable side effects, cheaper, which improve the health of our patients, and the quality of their life. Methods. It is randomized study, investigating the effect of placebo controlled rhinophototherapy, for a total of 187 patients who met the criteria for inclusion/exclusion. Rhinophototherapy effect was investigated measuring the nasal flow (rhinomanometry) and individual scores for subjective and objective symptoms. Results. Patients treated with phototherapy = 65, placebo = 32 patients treated. Evolution lot phototherapy: very good - 67% improvement, good improvement - 28%, 5%-unfavorable evolution. Analyzing the placebo treated group: good results-10%, 43% moderate-improvement, evolution-47% unfavorable. Conclusions. Phototherapy is an effective therapeutic method to treat patients with allergic rhinitis, is a well tolerated therapy, with minor side effects, easy to implement and monitor.