Quality of Life in Patients With Allergic Rhinitis: Clinical Trial With Bilastine or Loratadine

Inclusion Criteria: * clinical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (a typical history of rhinitis symptoms: coryza, sneezing, nasal obstruction, nasal itching, and eye symptoms, and hypersensitivity tests for specific IgE measured by Radioallergosorbent Test (RAST) or skin tests * patients classified as with intermittent rhinitis (symptoms during less than 4 days per week) or persistent rhinitis (symptoms during more than 4 days per week) of moderate to severe intensity (annoyance impairing the quality and quantity of sleep and interfering with daily activities) Exclusion Criteria: * pregnancy or breast-feeding; * non-allergic rhinitis (vasomotor, infectious or drug-induced); * known hypersensitivity to antihistamines; * clinical disorders that might affect the assessment; * nasal diseases that could lead to complete blockage or one of the nostrils blockage, such as tumors or septal deviation; * therapy with immunotherapy; * use of antihistamines or disodium cromoglycate within the past four weeks; * use of topical or systemic corticosteroids, immunosuppressants or any investigational drug within the last two weeks; * use of topical antihistamines or nasal decongestants within the last 48 hours; * use of deposit steroid within the last month.