<Original article>Comparison of Regular and As-needed Use of Mometasone Furoate Hydrate Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Japanese Cedar Pollinosis

Background: Intranasal glucocorticosteroids (INSs) are the first-line treatment for allergic rhinitis. However, it is not clear whether regular use of INSs during the pollen season is necessary for patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis (JCP). We conducted a randomized, open-label, parallel-group study to compare the effi cacy of regular and as-needed use of INSs. Method: Between January and May 2009, we recruited patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis and divided them into regular and as-needed use groups. Participants were asked to record nasal and ocular symptom scores every day, and after the start of the trial, Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (RQLQ) scores were evaluated for three different days. Result: A total of 123 patients joined this trial. Patients in the regular-use group had significantly improved non-hay fever symptom, nasal symptom, and emotional scores than those in the as-needed group during the fi rst half of the season. The number of days with minimal nasal symptoms in the regular-use group was significantly higher than that in the as-needed group during the entire season (P=0.0261). Conclusion: Continued use of INSs during the pollen season leads to improvement of symptoms of patients with Japanese cedar pollinosis. Guidance on the appropriate use of INSs is necessary.