Prevalence and risk factors of asthma-like symptoms and allergic rhinitis in preschool children

Abstract

The objectives of this study were to estimate prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and allergic rhinitis in preschool children and to determine risk factors of these diseases. Methods. This cross-sectional study was conducted in 5 cities of Altai krai in 2015 – 2016 and included children aged 3 to 6 years. Prevalence of allergic diseases was assessed using the Russian version of the ISAAC questionnaire. Results. The prevalence of asthma-like symptoms was 11.1%, and the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 18.0%. The diagnoses of asthma and allergic rhinitis were physician-confirmed in 0.9% and 6.4% of 3205 children, respectively. Family history of allergic diseases was related to the increased risk of asthma-like symptoms ( О R 2.11; 95% CI 1.66 – 2.68) and allergic rhinitis ( О R 2.63; 95% CI 2.16 – 3.19). Boys also had the increases risk of a sthma-like symptoms (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.17 – 5.93) and allergic rhinitis ( О R 1.35; 95% CI 1.01 – 1.37). Smoking in parents during the first year of life of the child increased the risk of asthma-like symptoms ( О R 1.61; 95% CI 1.15 – 2.24). Conclusion. The prevalence of asthma-like symptoms and allergic rhinitis considerably exceeds the rate of physician-confirmed diagnosis. Family history of allergic diseases, male gender, and smoking in parents increased the risk of allergic diseases in preschool children.