Alergoprofil

Second-generation oral antihistamines: which ones? to whom? – characteristics of selected drugs

Klaudia Panas-Hołowacz — 2025-03-17

The review paper discusses 3 frequently used second-generation antihistamines: bilastine, desloratadine and fexofenadine. Selected elements of pharmacokinetics, pharmaceutical forms and clinical indications (allergic rhinitis, urticaria) of these drugs are presented. Bilastine is a safe drug for patients with multi-morbidities, including the elderly. It does not cause sedation and can be used in patients over 6 years of age. Desloratadine is a safe and effective drug in children from 1 year of age, it can be taken regardless of meals, and does not cause any change in body weight. Fexofenadine is a safe drug also for patients with liver or kidney failure, it has no sedative properties. It can be used even by pilots and people operating machines. Additionally it has anti-inflammatory properties and does not interact with alcohol or other drugs.

Second-generation oral antihistamines: which ones? to whom? – cases

Klaudia Panas-Hołowacz — 2025-03-17

The publication presents three cases of patients with various allergic diseases treated with selected second generation oral antihistamines: bilastine, desloratadine and fexofenadine, with comments.

Fixed intranasal combination of azelastine and fluticasone in the treatment of allergic rhinitis – why use it?

Agnieszka Lipiec — 2025-04-23

Allergic rhinitis is the most common form of allergic disease, significantly affecting the patient’s quality of life. A key element in the management of the patient is appropriately selected personalized therapy, in accordance with current recommendations. The drug, which is a combination of azelastine hydrochloride and fluticasone propionate in a single formulation (AzeFlu), is a universal therapeutic solution that, thanks to the synergistic action of the components, effectively controls all symptoms of upper respiratory tract allergies. It is positioned high in the ARIA-GRADE guidelines, both among first-line drugs in previously untreated patients and included to intensify treatment. The article presents the results of a number of studies and meta-analyses, conducted in accordance with evidence-based medicine (EBM) principles, confirming the rapid and potent therapeutic effect in the treatment of allergic rhinitis and the drug’s favourable safety profile.

8 facts about mometasone

Piotr Rapiejko — 2025-03-30

Intranasal corticosteroids are currently the most effective anti-inflammatory drugs in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Advantage of Intranasal corticosteroids is their strong anti-inflammatory local action and little impact on general health. According to recommendations intranasal corticosteroids are considered the first line drugs for moderate and severe intermittent and all stages of persistent allergic rhinitis. In daily practice, we often wonder which of the available intranasal medicines will be the most effective, safest and comfortable for our patient to use. The paper presents distinguishing features of mometasone furoate

Record values of ragweed pollen count in Poland in 2024

Małgorzata Puc — 2025-03-30

This paper presents the course of the pollen season of ragweed (Ambrosia) in selected cities of Poland (Lublin, Warsaw, Szczecin, Zielona Gora, Wroclaw and Bialystok) in 2024. The ragweed pollen grains are known as very potent aeroallergens, often noted to enter into cross reactions. This pollen is a common cause of pollinosis in North America. In Europe ragweed is an introduced species in the middle of an ongoing invasion event and, therefore, represents a case of a human population being exposed to increasing concentrations of this allergen.

Measurements were performed by the volumetric method (Burkard and Lanzoni pollen samplers). Pollen season was defined as the period in which 98% of the annual total catch occurred. Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI) was estimated as the annual sum of daily average pollen concentrations. The pollen season of Ambrosia in 2024 started first in Wroclaw, on the 12th of August, then in Lublin and Warsaw, on the 15^th and 16^th of August (about 1–2 weeks earlier than in the other cities). This pollen season lasted between the 22nd of September and the 27^th of September. The differences of pollen seasons durations were clear (from 27 to 44 days). The highest airborne concentration of 174 pollen grains/m³ was noted in Lublin on the 4^th of September. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count occurred between 4^th and 17^th of September, only in Wrocław 28^th of August. The highest ragweed pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2024 in Warsaw and lasted 23 days and in Lublin – 22 days and was high. So far, in various years in Poland, this threat lasted less than 10 days.