The effectiveness of montelukast in the complex treatment of children with seasonal allergic rhinitis caused by sensitization to ragweed and wormwood allergens

Seasonal persistent allergic rhinitis (AR) is an urgent problem of paediatrics, and its prevalence among the population of European countries is about 16%, increasing every year. Among the allergens that have a significant impact on the development of seasonal AR, sensitization to ragweed and ragweed allergens is of great importance. Basic pharmacotherapy of AR in such patients does not always allow for full control of allergy manifestations, which necessitates the search for adjuvant agents to control AR. Aim - to evaluate the efficacy of montelukast in children with persistent seasonal AR in case of sensitization to ragweed and wormwood allergens. Materials and methods. Clinical, anamnestic and laboratory examination of 62 children aged 6 to 12 years with AR and sensitization to ragweed and wormwood was performed in 2023 and 2024. In both years of follow-up, patients received basic therapy according to ARIA recommendations (2022). Montelukast (Glemont), at a dosage of 5 mg daily, was prescribed only in 2024 to patients with the first symptoms of AR. Results. The duration of clinical manifestations of AR during exacerbations was significantly shorter in patients treated with montelukast. In the examined patients, ‘molecular spreading’ of allergy was observed. When montelukast was used among the patients studied in 2024, complaints of coughing and nasal congestion were significantly less frequent. In patients treated with montelukast, an increase in the level of nitric oxide in the exhaled air (Fraction of exhaled nitric oxide - FeNO) was significantly less frequent. Conclusions. The addition of montelukast (Glemont) to the treatment regimen for seasonal persistent AR contributes to a significant reduction in the duration of exacerbations by 1.6 times and improves the clinical course of AR. The use of montelukast in the treatment regimen for seasonal AR helps to reduce FeNO levels. The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The study protocol was approved by the Local Ethics Committee (LEC) for all participants. Informed consent was obtained from patients (parents of children or their guardians). There was no conflict of interest.