Alergoprofil

Azelastine vs. olopatadine in the topical treatment of allergic rhinitis – an analysis of selected clinical evidence and practical recommendations

Przemysław Talik — Fri, 31 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0100

The aim of this study is to compare two second-generation intranasal antihistamines – azelastine and olopatadine – with regard to their efficacy, onset of action, and active substance stability under physiological conditions in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. Both agents provide a rapid onset of action (azelastine: 15 min; olopatadine: 30 min) and effective control of nasal and ocular symptoms, with azelastine achieving therapeutic effect more quickly. Azelastine is distinguished by a broader pharmacological spectrum of activity, which also makes it effective in non-allergic rhinitis, where olopatadine has not demonstrated confirmed efficacy in placebo-controlled trials. Azelastine exhibits high chemical stability across a wide pH range, whereas olopatadine shows marked pH-dependent solubility – crystallizing within the pH range of 5.0–5.5 – which necessitates maintaining an acidic formulation pH (3.5–3.95 for solutions; 3.3–4.1 for suspensions with mometasone) to ensure complete solubility of its salt form.

The rapid onset of action and the stability of the active substance under physiological conditions (including the slightly acidic pH of the nasal mucosa, 5.5–6.5) constitute important criteria differentiating azelastine and olopatadine.

Chronic spontaneous urticaria – association with selected autoimmune diseases: a systematic review

Bartosz Bartosik, Dagmara Bartosik, Katarzyna Kapeluszna, Zenon Brzoza — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0100

Urticaria is one of the most common diseases in allergological and dermatological practice. Depending on the duration of symptoms, urticaria is classified as acute or chronic. The etiology of urticaria often remains unknown, but in over 30% of cases, an association with autoimmune mechanisms is noted. This paper provides an overview of analyses examining the coexistence of chronic urticaria with selected autoimmune diseases.

Why is the 2024 mugwort pollen season worth your attention?

Tue, 30 Dec 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Artemisia (mugwort) is one of the largest and most widely distributed genera of the Asteraceae family and can be found mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. However, only a few genera, including Artemisia, are potential but significant sources of allergens. The aim of the study was to compare the mugwort pollen seasons in Białystok, Lublin, Olsztyn, Piotrków Trybunalski, Szczecin, Wrocław, Warsaw and Łódź in 2024. The investigations were carried out using the volumetric method. Seasonal Pollen Index (SPI) was estimated as the sum of daily average pollen concentrations in the given season. The mugwort pollen season is mainly observed in June, July and at the beginning of September. It is worth noting that in 2024, the peak of the mugwort pollen season shifted to September – because, most likely for the first time in Poland, in the last two decades of pollen monitoring, the maximum concentration of mugwort pollen was recorded so late, in September. This was observed at all measurement points, except for Wrocław. In 2024 the pollen season of mugwort started first in Szczecin and Łódź, on the 21^th of June. At the latest, a pollen season ended in Warsaw and Lublin, and also in Olsztyn, Piotrków Trybunalski and Łódź, September 23^rd and later. Differences in the length of pollen seasons were small, ranging from 83 to 93 days. The highest, record-breaking airborne concentration of 265 pollen grains/m³ was noted in Lublin on the 17^th of September. In previous years this took place in July or August. The maximum values of seasonal pollen count in Polish cities occurred within five days, between 16^th and 20^th of September. The exception was Wrocław, with a seasonal maximum recorded on August 8^th. The highest mugwort pollen allergen hazard occurred in 2024 in Lublin, Warsaw and Piotrków Trybunalski and was 4–5 times higher than in other cities. The highest variability in the analysed seasons was found in peak value and SPI value. In the pollen season in 2024 (similar to previous years), two peaks of Artemisia pollen concentrations were observed as a result of the order of flowering of A. vulgaris and A. campestris. Information on the pollination of various Artemisia species will be used to avoid excessive exposure to allergens of these pollen grains.

Treatment of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps

Piotr Rapiejko — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 +0100

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a heterogeneous condition characterised by a predominant type 2 inflammatory mechanism, leading to tissue remodelling and the formation of polyps. Despite the availability of numerous treatment options, a significant proportion of patients do not achieve satisfactory symptom control. This paper focuses on conservative treatment, with particular emphasis on intranasal pharmacotherapy, its limitations arising from anatomical conditions, and dosage optimisation. The role of appropriate drug dosing and the significance of limitations on aerosol penetration within the nasal cavities are highlighted.