Abstract

Introduction: Managing allergic rhinitis constitutes a substantial part of the daily practice for general otolaryngologists. This study aimed to investigate the role of diethylcarbamazine, an antifilarial drug used in treating tropical pulmonary eosinophilia, in managing allergic rhinitis. Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in an Indian tertiary level Hospital. Patients selected for the study were administered Tab Diethylcarbamazine at a dose of 5mg/kg body weight twice daily for 21 days. The study evaluated the drug's effects on symptom control, blood eosinophilia, and nasal eosinophilia. Results: A total of 145 patients were enrolled, with 113 showing eosinophilia either in blood, nasal smear, or both, constituting a significant proportion. Following treatment with Diethylcarbamazine, there was a significant decrease in blood eosinophilia in both the blood and nasal tissue eosinophilia groups. Nasal eosinophilia also decreased significantly in both the blood and nasal tissue eosinophilia groups, as well as the nasal tissue-only eosinophilia group. Symptom improvement was observed across all three groups. Pharyngeal itching improved only in the blood and nasal eosinophilia group and the blood eosinophilia group. However, there was no improvement in anosmia across all three groups.

Description