Relief of cough and nasal symptoms associated with allergic rhinitis by mometasone furoate nasalspray

Background: Cough commonly occurs as a symptom of seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), an inflammatory condition of the nasal mucous membranes that results in rhinorrhea, nasal stuffiness/congestion, nasal itching, and sneezing. Mometasone furoate nasal spray (MFNS, Nasonex, Schering, Kenilworth, NJ), an anti-inflammatory nasal corticosteroid, has been shown to be safe and effective in reducing the nasal inflammation of SAR. Objective: To examine the effectiveness of MFNS in relieving SAR-associated cough, in addition to nasal symptoms. Methods: This was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind study. Patients 12 years of age or older with greater than or equal to 1-year history of SAR symptoms, positive skin test to a prevailing seasonal allergen, moderate nasal symptoms, and moderate cough were treated for 14 days with MFNS 200 mug daily (n = 122) or placebo (n = 123). Results: The group treated with MFNS showed significant improvement in the daytime cough severity score at endpoint compared with placebo (P = 0.049). Improvement in the nighttime cough severity score showed a trend in favor of MFNS treatment. Treatment with MFNS significantly improved total nasal symptoms in both the daytime and nighttime compared with placebo at endpoint (P less than or equal to 0.017). Overall daytime symptom scores (cough + total nasal) improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.005). Overall nighttime symptom scores improved significantly compared with placebo at endpoint (P = 0.028). Treatments were well tolerated, with no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions: MFNS is effective and well tolerated in the treatment of daytime cough associated with SAR.