[Allergic rhinitis management:environment control and patient education]

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Gastroenterology
• Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition affecting quality of life.
• Immune dysregulation, involving cytokines like IL-10 and TGF-β1, is implicated in AR pathogenesis.
• Probiotics, such as combined clostridium and bifidobacterium capsules (Changlekang), are explored for their immunomodulatory effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the auxiliary therapeutic effect of Changlekang in AR patients.
• To compare changes in IL-10, TGF-β1, quality of life, and symptom scores with and without Changlekang.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 40 AR patients divided into a study group (Changlekang + standard treatment) and a control group (standard treatment only).
• Treatment duration was 2 weeks, followed by 6 weeks of maintenance therapy with Changlekang for the study group.
• Serum levels of IL-10 and TGF-β1, ocular symptom scores, and Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores were assessed.

Main Results:

• Patients in both groups showed improved symptom and RQLQ scores after 2 weeks of treatment.
• The study group demonstrated significantly higher serum IL-10 levels compared to the control group after treatment.
• Changlekang treatment led to increased serum IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels and improved ocular symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusions:

• Lower baseline IL-10 and TGF-β1 levels in AR patients suggest their involvement in AR pathogenesis.
• Changlekang appears to enhance IL-10 and TGF-β1 production in AR patients.
• Combination therapy with Changlekang may offer additional benefits in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms and improving quality of life.