Role of Montelukast on Vitamin D Levels in Asthma and Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis in Eastern India

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis and asthma are both chronic heterogeneous disorders, with an overlapping
epidemiology of prevalence, health care and social costs in quality of life. Both are inflammatory disorders with a
similar pathophysiology and vitamin D has a significant role in the pathogenesis of the disease.
Aims and Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of serum vitamin D in patients with
symptomatic allergic rhinitis and active asthma during the allergy season and observe the effect of montelukast
10 mg daily as treatment.
Materials and methods: This study included 130 asthmatic and seasonal allergic rhinitis patients following a
single-blind, placebo run-in period of 3 days–5 days, patients were randomized to oral montelukast 10 mg (n = 68)
or placebo (n = 62) daily during the 2-week, double-blind, active-treatment period. The serum vitamin D was also
evaluated in both the groups.
Results: The serum vitamin D levels were found to be higher in patients taking monteleukast compared to placebo
after 2 weeks (p< 0.001). Montelukast reduced the Total Nasal symptoms score which includes Daytime nasal
symptoms and Nighttime symptoms compared to placebo after 2 weeks (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Montelukast
provides significant relief from symptoms of seasonal allergic rhinitis, while also conferring a benefit for asthma,
in patients with both allergic rhinitis and asthma. Further, it has a beneficial role in improving vitamin D levels.