Cetirizine modifies quality of life and symptoms in children with seasonal allergic rhinitis: a pilot study

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) is a common disease in childhood that is characterized by bothersome symptoms and impaired quality of life (QoL). As histamine is the pivotal pathogenic mediator in SAR, antihistamines are the first-line option in the treatment. Cetirizine is a well-known effective antihistamine. This real-life pilot study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of a 4-week continuous cetirizine treatment in a group of Italian children with SAR. METHODS: Total symptom score (TSS) and the Pediatric Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) were assessed at baseline and the end of the treatment. RESULTS: Cetirizine significantly improved QoL (in all domains) and symptom severity (p<0.001 for both). CONCLUSIONS: The present preliminary study showed that a 4-week cetirizine treatment was able to improve QoL significantly. Cetirizine treatment also significantly reduced symptom severity in Italian children with SAR and was safe.