Prednisolone vs Antihistamines for Hay Fever: Study Results
- A recent study indicates that prednisolone, a corticosteroid, dose not provide a significant reduction in symptoms or medication use for allergic rhinitis compared to antihistamines during the tree...
- The research involved comparing a group treated with prednisolone to a group treated with antihistamines.
- Both groups primarily experienced mild adverse events, including sneezing, nasal blockage, nasal drip, and itching in the nose and eyes.
Latest research reveals that prednisolone, a corticosteroid, doesn’t offer a notable advantage over antihistamines for allergic rhinitis, especially during tree pollen season. The study, explored by News Directory 3, highlights the importance of tailored approaches to manage hay fever symptoms based on individual patient needs. Specifically, both types of treatment caused fairly similar levels of adverse reactions, like nasal issues.Experts suggest that in many cases oral corticosteroids aren’t the primary solution, supporting the use of intranasal treatments for greater relief. In addition, the research suggests that proper inhalation techniques and patient education can further improve outcomes, which are better than oral ones for specific outcomes. Discover what is next for SAR combinations.
Steroids Offer No edge Over Antihistamines for Allergic Rhinitis: Study
Updated June 11, 2025
A recent study indicates that prednisolone, a corticosteroid, dose not provide a significant reduction in symptoms or medication use for allergic rhinitis compared to antihistamines during the tree pollen season. The findings emphasize the importance of individualized treatment strategies for managing allergic rhinitis, focusing on patient preferences and tolerability.
The research involved comparing a group treated with prednisolone to a group treated with antihistamines. Researchers noted a slight decrease in symptom scores in the antihistamine group as the tree pollen season progressed, potentially linked to reduced pollen counts.
Both groups primarily experienced mild adverse events, including sneezing, nasal blockage, nasal drip, and itching in the nose and eyes. No serious adverse events were reported.
Luis Delgado,professor of immunology at the University of Porto,noted that oral corticosteroids are not typically the first choice for treating seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR).He added that real-world studies show many patients do not adhere strictly to their prescribed medications during pollen seasons, often using them only as needed.
Delgado suggested that a short course of oral steroids might be needed in exceptional cases to control symptom exacerbations. He said that a combination of an intranasal antihistamine with an intranasal corticosteroid, along with patient education on pollen counts and proper inhalation techniques, can control most cases.
Delgado cited a recent meta-analysis that found intranasal treatments are more effective than oral treatments for improving nasal symptoms and quality of life in SAR. He also referenced a network meta-analysis that identified intranasal antihistamine plus intranasal corticosteroid combinations as the highest-ranked interventions for all assessed outcomes.
What’s next
Further research could compare the efficacy of combining an oral antihistamine with an oral corticosteroid versus using an intranasal antihistamine plus intranasal corticosteroid combination during the initial phase of the tree pollen season.