The efficacy of Otirin Nasal Spray® in the treatment of allergic rhinitis

M.Tech. (Homoeopathy)Allergic Rhinitis (AR) is the inflammation of the nasal and often conjunctival mucous membrane. It manifests due to the exposure of inhaled allergic agents and results in an immunoglobulin E (lgE) mediated reaction (DiPiro et al., 2002; Shargel et al., 2001). Allergic rhinitis is characterised by four principle symptoms, watery rhinorrhoea, nasal obstruction, nasal itching and sneezing (Min, 2010). In addition to the cardinal symptoms experienced during AR other common symptoms include postnasal drip, pruritic eyes; ears; nose and palate (Kemp, 2009). Although allergic rhinitis is not life threatening, the adverse impact on quality of life is significant. Those affected by allergic rhinitis are restricted in their ability to carry out their normal daily activities (Nelson, 2007; Wilson et al., 2002). Sleep, social interaction, emotional well being as well as cognitive and psychomotor function are affected by allergic rhinitis, and can lead to impaired learning ability. Serious disorders such as eczema, asthma, sinusitis, otitis media, nasal polyposis, respiratory infections and orthodontic malocclusions are. frequently linked with allergic rhinitis (DiPiro et al., 2002; Kemp, 2009)., The therapeutic goal for patients suffering with allergic rhinitis is to prevent or minimise symptoms, using treatment with minimal or no side effects and of reasonable expense, so that patients may maintain a normal lifestyle (DiPiro et aI., 2002). One of the most frequent indications for which homoeopathic treatment is sought after is for respiratory allergies (Ramchandani, 2009). Thus it has been proposed that the remedies contained within Otirin Nasal Spray"; namely Allium cepa, Euphrasia officinalis, Luffa operculata and Sabadilla officinarummay be effective as a treatment for allergic rhinitis (Vermeulen, 2000). Otirin Nasal Spray" is a homoeopathic complex preparation indicated for allergic rhinitis. No specific research has been conducted on this product to determine its efficacy in this condition (Medford, 2008). The aim of this research study was to determine the efficacy of Otirin Nasal Spray" in the treatment of allergic rhinitis with regard to the severity Of symptoms; specifically on the symptoms relating to the nose, eyes, throat, mouth and ears. Diary cards and questionnaires were completed, making use of the severity of symptoms scores to grade the symptoms. This research study was a quantitative" double-blind, placebo-controlled study and included thirty participants suffering from AR. Participants volunteered to participate in the study, were over the age of eighteen and consented to the procedures of the research study. Participants involved in the study were randomly divided into a treatment (experimental) group and a control (placebo) group. The treatment group received the Otirin Nasal Spray'" as opposed to the control group who received the placebo nasal spray (saline nasal spray). The research study was conducted over a period of four weeks at the UJ Health Centre. Participants were instructed to complete an individual "Treatment Diary Card" (Appendix E) during each hayfever attack by scoring the severity of each symptom they suffered from. During the final consultation the "Response to Treatment Questionnaire" (Appendix F) was completed under the researcher's supervision. This questionnaire required participants to score an amelioration, aggravation, no change or not applicable for each symptom, as well as other associated symptoms. Results acquired from the research study were statistically analysed by Statkon at the University of Johannesburg by means of descriptive statistics, parametric and non-parametric tests. The parametric test included the Independent Samples TTest. Non-parametric tests included the Friedman Test, Wilcoxon Signed Rank, and Mann-Whitney U Test. This research study determined that the homoeopathically prepared Otirin Nasal Spray" did have a statistically significant effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis symptoms. A trend towards a decrease in the severity of the participant's symptoms was observed, in particular for rhinorrhoea, sneezing, nasal blockage/congestion, pruritic/itchy eyes and postnasal drip