Article Type
Article
Abstract
Background: Persistent allergic rhinitis has significant effects on the quality of life (QOL), especially on sleep and work performance, and is associated with specific psychiatric syndromes.
Aim: The aim of the present study was to verify the efficacy of combined desipramine and levocetirizine in the treatment of psychological stress related to persistent allergic rhinitis, and
to thereby improve the QOL of the patient.
Patients and methods: A total of 132 psychologically stressed persistent allergic rhinitis patients (positive Kessler Psychological Distress Scale scores ≥12) were randomly divided into two groups: the control group, which received levocetirizine, and the study group, which received levocetirizine plus desipramine. QOL for all patients was assessed by using a seven-point scale after the
treatment period.
Results: There was a highly statistically significant better QOL in the study group (6.79) compared with the control group (2.21) (t-test=15.17 and P = 0.0001).
Conclusion: Desipramine and levocetirizine have a better effect on the QOL outcomes in the treatment of patients with persistent allergic rhinitis, and having psychological stress disorders.
Level of evidence: 3b.
Keywords: allergic, desipramine, levocetirizine, psychological stress, quality of life, rhinitis
Recommended Citation
El Hennawi DM, Ahmed MR, Abou-Halawa AS,
et al.
Desipramine plus levocetirizine as a treatment for persistent allergic rhinitis.
Pan Arab J. Rhinol.
2016;
6 : 22-26.
Available at:
https://pajr.researchcommons.org/journal/vol6/iss1/5
DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/2090-7540.183736
