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Phototherapy for allergic rhinitis: a prospective, randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled study
Cemal Cingi1, Hamdi Cakli, Aytekin Yaz
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Osmangazi University Medical Faculty, Eskisehir, Turkey.
Therapeutic Advances in Respiratory Disease
|July 1, 2010
Summary
Phototherapy using a combination of UV and visible light significantly reduced allergic rhinitis symptoms compared to placebo. This treatment offers an effective alternative for patients with contraindications or insufficient response to conventional medications.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
- Otolaryngology
Background:
- Phototherapy exhibits significant immunosuppressive effects, making it valuable for inflammatory skin conditions.
- Combination phototherapy (UV-A, UV-B, visible light) is explored as a novel treatment for allergic rhinitis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of a specific phototherapy combination in treating allergic rhinitis.
- To assess phototherapy as an alternative for patients unresponsive or contraindicated to standard medications.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 79 patients with allergic rhinitis.
- Treatment groups received either combination phototherapy or low-intensity visible light (placebo).
- Efficacy was measured by the total nasal symptom score pre-treatment and one month post-treatment.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant decrease in total nasal symptom scores was observed in the active phototherapy group (p < 0.001).
- While the control group also showed improvement, it was not as pronounced as in the active treatment group.
Conclusions:
- Combination phototherapy is an effective treatment modality for allergic rhinitis.
- This approach provides a viable therapeutic option for patients with limited conventional treatment choices.
