High Prevalence Of Rhinitis Research Articles

Respiratory disorders of farmed rabbits: occurrence and risk factors

In this study, we focused on the occurrence of respiratory disorders in rabbit farms, as well as several risk factors. We based the assessment on 11 217 visits to 1288 commercial farms in Spain and Portugal from 1996 to 2020. There was a sub-set of 307 visits due to respiratory system issues on 172 farms; the main causes were high prevalence of rhinitis in does and high mortality risk in weaned rabbits. During the 25-yr observational study, we physically examined 29 000 males and 200 000 lactating does to monitor their sanitary status on 894 farms. The mean annual prevalence of clinical rhinitis (CR) and 95% binomial confidence interval (CI) in does was 19.9% (95% CI [19.7-20.1%]). We observed an improvement as prevalence of annual CR fell from 29.6% in 1996 to 15.2% in 2020. The main risk factor for rhinitis was the rabbit line, followed by gender (males become sick more than females) and age of females. The median age of farmed does was 5 parities (minimum to maximum: 1-39). The enabling risk factors were year, season (more often affected in summer) and service timing (lowest prevalence when does were served ≥32 d postpartum). In a sub-set of 208 farms, we determined the prevalence of apparent atrophic rhinitis, which was 0.04% in females and 0.11% in males. Concerning bacteriological studies with 444 samples from 153 farms, Pasteurella multocida and Staphylococcus aureus were the main agents isolated from cases of pneumonia, rhinitis and other issues. We may infer that much work is required to determine in greater detail the factors linked to the farm environment and apply this knowledge in practice.

Real-world Omalizumab and Mepolizumab Treated Difficult Asthma Phenotypes and Their Clinical Outcomes

To examine the real-world effectiveness of omalizumab and mepolizumab and better understand the clinical characteristics of real-world populations treated with these biologics.In the study, researchers included 478 patients from the Wessex Asthma Cohort recruited from a difficult to control asthma clinic in the United Kingdom. Patients were seen between June 2006 and May 2019. Inclusion criteria included patients on “high dose therapies” and/or “continuous or frequent use of oral corticosteroids.”This was a retrospective study of biological naïve patients with severe asthma. In the study, researchers compared 182 patients who started either omalizumab or mepolizumab and 178 patients who did not start biological therapy. Data concerning asthma control were collected at the baseline visit and each injection visit. The effectiveness of biologics was determined by using biological specific standard criteria.Omalizumab treated subjects were found to be younger and more ethnically diverse and had higher prevalence of rhinitis, allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis, and nasal polyps, compared with that of the mepolizumab or no biological treatment groups. Mepolizumab-treated subjects had greater eosinophilia and were diagnosed later in life. They also had more nasal polyps than the control group did. Both biological therapies significantly improved asthma control and reduced asthma exacerbations, acute health care encounters, and maintenance oral steroid dose. Patients in the nonresponder groups were evaluated and found to have worse baseline asthma control and greater prevalence of anxiety, when compared with biological responders.Omalizumab and mepolizumab both showed significant clinical benefit in real-world populations. Omalizumab patients were younger and more atopic. Mepolizumab patients were older with a less atopic phenotype. Nonresponders had more severe asthma at that baseline and more psychological comorbidities.It has been widely discussed that populations in clinical trials of asthma biologics are not representative of the full population that needs these therapies. In this cohort study, the authors evaluate the efficacy of these 2 biologics in real-world populations. There is no information on how the biological was selected, but, with this cohort, the authors still gives valuable information about the population characteristics and potential exacerbating factors in biological nonresponders. The authors also highlight that both omalizumab and mepolizumab were highly efficacious.

Food-dependent NSAID-induced hypersensitivity (FDNIH) reactions: Unraveling the clinical features and risk factors.

In up to 70%-80% of patients with a suspected non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug hypersensitivity (NSAIDH), challenge tests with the culprit drug yield negative results. On the other hand, there could be a NSAIDH overdiagnosis when anaphylaxis is the clinical manifestation. We hypothesize that some negative NSAID challenge tests and an overdiagnosis of NSAIDH occur in patients with food-dependent NSAID-induced hypersensitivity (FDNIH). We studied 328 patients with a suspected acute NSAIDH. FDNIH was diagnosed in patients meeting all the following: (1) tolerance to the food ingested more temporally closed before the reaction, later the episode, (2) respiratory or cutaneous symptoms or anaphylaxis related to NSAID, (3) positive skin prick test to foods and/or specific IgE to food allergens (Pru p 3, Tri a 19, Pen a 1) involved in the reaction, and (4) negative oral provocation test to the culprit NSAID. 199 patients (60%) were diagnosed with NSAIDH and 52 (16%) with FDNIH. Pru p 3 was involved in 44 cases (84.6%) and Tri a 19 in 6 cases (11%). FDNIH subjects were younger (p<.001), with a higher prevalence of rhinitis (p<.001) and previous food allergy (p<.001), together with a higher proportion of subjects sensitized to pollens (p<.001) and foods (p<.001). Using just four variables (Pru p 3 sensitization, Tri a 19 sensitization, anaphylaxis, and any NSAID different from pyrazolones), 95.3% of cases were correctly classified, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 96%. Evaluation of FDNIH should be included in the diagnostic workup of NSAIDH.

Association between the Concentration and the Elemental Composition of Outdoor PM2.5 and Respiratory Diseases in Schoolchildren: A Multicenter Study in the Mediterranean Area

Abstract: Exposure to outdoor air pollution has been shown to increase asthma symptoms. We assessed the potential role of particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter &lt;2.5 μm (PM2.5) on respiratory condition in schoolchildren in the south Mediterranean area. A total of 2400 children aged 11–14 years were recruited, and data on their symptoms were collected through an ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood)-based questionnaire. Outdoor PM2.5 was collected for 48 consecutive hours in the schoolyards of their schools and selected residential outdoor areas. The levels of PM2.5 were measured, along with its elemental composition. The incidence of an acute respiratory illness within the first 2 years of life was higher amongst Sicilian children when compared to Maltese children (29.7% vs. 13.5% respectively, p &lt; 0.0001). Malta had a significantly higher prevalence of doctor‐diagnosed asthma, when compared to Sicily (18.0% Malta vs. 7.5% Sicily, p &lt;0.0001). Similarly, current asthma (7.8% vs. 2.9%, p &lt; 0.0001) and use of asthma medication in the last 12 months (12.1% vs. 4.9%, p &lt; 0.0001) were more frequent amongst Maltese children. Total median PM2.5 was 12.9 μg/m3 in Sicily and 17.9 μg/m3 in Malta. PM2.5 levels were highest in the Maltese urban town of Hamrun (23.6 μg/m3), while lowest in the rural Sicilian town of Niscemi (10.9 μg/m3, p &lt; 0.0001). Hamrun also exhibited the highest levels of nickel, vanadium, lead, zinc, antimony, and manganese, whilst the Sicilian city of Gela had the highest levels of cadmium, and the highest level of PM2.5 when compared to rural Sicily. Elevated levels of PM2.5 were positively associated with the prevalence of doctor diagnosed asthma (odds ratio (OR) 1.05), current asthma (OR 1.06), and use of asthma medication (OR 1.06). All elements in PM2.5 showed increased OR for doctor diagnosed asthma, while higher concentrations of Cd and Mn were associated with higher prevalence of rhinitis.

Interpretation of Normal and Abnormal Tympanogram Findings in Eustachian Tube Dysfunction.

To characterize the relationship between objective tympanogram values and patient-reported symptoms and associations with common comorbid conditions. Cross-sectional study with prospective data collection. Tertiary medical center. Patients undergoing routine audiometric evaluation between October 2018 and June 2019 were included. Participants with temporomandibular joint dysfunction, inner ear hydrops, and similar conditions were excluded. Symptoms were assessed with the 7-item Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Questionnaire. Demographics and medical comorbidities were recorded from the medical record. Analysis of tympanometric peak pressure (TPP), demographics, and comorbidities was performed to determine associations with clinically significant eustachian tube dysfunction (ETD) symptoms. A total of 250 patients were included with similar demographics: 101 (40.4%) in the asymptomatic group and 149 (59.6%) in the symptomatic group. The median (interquartile range) TPP was -10 (20) daPa and -25 (100) daPa in the asymptomatic and symptomatic groups, respectively. A diagnosis of rhinitis was more likely to be associated with significant ETD symptoms (adjusted odds ratio, 2.61; 95% CI, 1.23-5.63). A subgroup analysis revealed that symptomatic patients with normal TPP values were negatively skewed as compared with asymptomatic patients. This symptomatic group had a higher prevalence of rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis than the asymptomatic group. Patients with symptoms of ETD may have a TPP within a range typically considered normal per conventional standards. This suggests that the currently accepted interpretation of tympanometry findings may be insensitive for the diagnosis of less severe cases of ETD.

Characterization of Pasteurella multocida isolates from rabbits in China

Pasteurella multocida is the causative agent of a wide range of diseases (pasteurellosis) and is a zoonotic pathogen in humans. The molecular epidemiology of P. multocida from rabbits in some southern European countries has been characterized, and the associations of some populations with the respiratory niche or virulence factors have been suggested. However, the population structure of P. multocida from rabbits in China has not been well characterized. In this study, 30 P. multocida isolates from rabbits without epidemiological relations in China were clustered using mutilocus sequence typing (MLST). Then, the genotypes of virulence factors (capsule, lipopolysaccharides, HgbB, and PfhA) of these isolates were determined via multiplex PCR methods. Next, the virulence of the isolates in a mice model was established by determining the 50 % lethal dose. Finally, the associations between MLST types and the prevalence of genotypes, virulent strains, or clinical origins were characterized. The P. multocida isolates identified in this work included 3 major clonal complexes: CC9, CC74, and ST129. CC9 exhibited cpsA(F)L3, and was associated with a higher prevalence of rhinitis; CC74 exhibited cpsAL6, and was associated with higher prevalences of hgbB+pfhA- and pneumonia; ST129 exhibited cpsAL1, and was associated with higher prevalences of high-virulence strains and septicemia. The results provided insights into P. multocida from rabbits in China and suggested the use of strains from different populations in future P. multocida pathogenesis and vaccine studies.

Singing Style, Vocal Habits, and General Health of Professional Singers.

Introduction For the singer, the voice is a medium used to express feelings that capture the listener. Every singing style has specific demands, and a vocal alteration may prevent the singer from meeting them. Objective To compare the singing style, the vocal habits, and the general health data of professional singers. Methods Cross-sectional, quantitative and retrospective study of a survey database. Data on the singing style, the vocal habits, and the health conditions and history of 57 professional singers, 31 female singers and 26 male singers, aged from 19 to 57 years old (average of 32 years old), from a mid-sized town were analyzed Results There was a prevalence of female (54 ± 2%) popular singers (91 ± 2%), in the adult age (51 ± 2%), nonsmokers (89 ± 2%), nonusers of alcohol (77 ± 2%), with respiratory problems (53 ± 2%), mainly rhinitis (23 ± 2%), and without other health problems. There was a significant use of alcohol in males ( p = 0.010); among the alcohol users, there was a significant presence of respiratory problems ( p = 0.046), of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.003), and of gastroesophageal reflux (GER) ( p = 0.043); there was a significant presence of GER in subjects reporting endocrine problems ( p = 0.023), of gastritis ( p = 0.023), and of pharyngitis/tonsillitis ( p = 0.030). Conclusion There was a predominance of adult professional popular female singers, with complaints of respiratory issues (with a higher prevalence of rhinitis), without other general health issues, of nonsmokers, and of nonusers of alcohol.

Double Trouble: High Prevalence of Rhinitis in Asthma

Double Trouble: High Prevalence of Rhinitis in Asthma

The Prevalence of Rhinitis and Its Association with Smoking in a Nationwide Survey of Saudi Adults, 2017

Background: Rhinitis is a common worldwide disease affecting more than 20% of people in many western and developing countries as well. Objectives: Assessing the prevalence of rhinitis and its association with smoking in a nationwide survey of Saudi adults.Methods: A national wide survey based on a cross-sectional study conducted among general adult Saudi population during the period from August to November 2017 Results: About 32.85% of the subjects suffered from nasal allergies, 29.5% suffer from runny nose, 31.4% had sneezing and itchy nose and 28.9% had red and itchy eye. The overall prevalence of rhinitis after diagnosis and revising the medical history of respondents was 32.8%. There was a significant association between the younger ages, male gender with the prevalence of rhinitis. Also, a highly significant association was found between smoking status and higher prevalence of rhinitis. Conclusion: The overall prevalence of rhinitis was high among Saudi subjects and it was significantly associated with smoking status. Educational programs and good lifestyle and habits would play an important role in decreasing the prevalence of rhinitis among Saudi population.

Rhinitis in Elite and Non-Elite Field Hockey Players.

Rhinitis has been demonstrated to impose a significant disease burden upon the general population. We sought to determine the prevalence of rhinitis in athletes; to investigate its relationship with co-existing allergic symptoms; and to quantify the impact of rhinitis on quality of life in the athlete.3 subgroups were studied: elite field hockey players (FHP); non-elite FHP; and a sedentary control group.Participants were asked to complete a rhinitis self-report questionnaire; the "Allergic Questionnaire for Athletes" (AQUA), and quality of life Sinonasal Outcome Test - 22 (SNOT-22).142 participants completed the study (52 elite FHP; 40 non-elite FHP; 50 controls). There was a significantly higher prevalence of rhinitis in the elite and non-elite FHP groups than the sedentary control group (52% and 43% vs. 22%, p<0.05). Mean AQUA score was significantly higher in athletes with rhinitis. Quality of life scores were significantly worse in athletes with rhinitis than those without rhinitis (p<0.05).This study suggests regular exercise is associated with a significant increase in the prevalence of rhinitis. Elite FHP were most likely to report rhinitis, but the least likely to be using regular treatment. Quality of life was negatively affected, confirming the importance of nasal health to athlete welfare.

Prevalence, severity and risk factors of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in a large group of Chinese schoolchildren

ABSTRACTBackground: There is a lack of information on the prevalence, severity and risk factors of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Chinese children. Objective: To establish baseline data for a major longitudinal study of factors affecting asthma, rhinitis and eczema in a large group of children from the industrialized city of Shijiazhuang, China. Methods: We used the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire and studied 10 338 children, ages 6–18, from Shijiazhuang. Results: The prevalence of childhood asthma, rhinitis and eczema is 1.2%, 13.5% and 11.8%, respectively. Boys had higher prevalence of these conditions than girls and younger children had higher prevalence of asthma and eczema but lower prevalence of rhinitis than older children. Breastfed children had lower prevalence of asthma and rhinitis, but not eczema, than non-breastfed children. Overweight children had higher prevalence of asthma and rhinitis than those who were not overweight. Children exposed to paternal smoking had higher prevalence of rhinitis and eczema than those not exposed; children exposed to pets had higher prevalence of asthma and rhinitis than those not exposed. Conclusions: The prevalence of asthma in this study group is low, but the prevalence of rhinitis is high, and could be considered a major public health problem. The prevalence of asthma, rhinitis and eczema is generally higher in boys and younger children generally have higher prevalence of asthma and eczema but lower prevalence of rhinitis. Exposure to pets is a risk factor for rhinitis, being overweight is a risk factor for asthma and rhinitis, and exposure to parental smoking is a risk factor for asthma, rhinitis and eczema in these children.

Antioxidant intake and allergic disease

Antioxidant intake and allergic disease

Air Pollution and Recent Symptoms of Asthma, Allergic Rhinitis, and Atopic Eczema in Schoolchildren Aged Between 6 and 7 Years

Objective The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between air pollutants and the prevalence of recent symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years. Patients and Methods The prevalence of recent (previous 12 months) symptoms of allergic diseases was obtained by means of the questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), Spain, with the participation of 7 centers (Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, La Coruña, Madrid, and Valencia) and 20 455 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years, from 2002 to 2003. The pollutant detection systems of the aforementioned centers provided the mean annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), carbon monoxide (CO), and total suspended particulate matter. Results The annual average concentration of SO 2 showed a significant association with a higher prevalence of recent severe asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] between level-1 and level-3 pollution, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.73), rhinitis (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.39–1.75), and rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.45–2.00). The annual average concentration of CO was associated with a higher prevalence of rhinitis (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.34-2.04), rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.31–2.37), and eczema (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.17–2.04). The annual average concentration for NO 2 and total suspended particulate matter showed inverse associations with the prevalence of nocturnal dry cough. Conclusions Findings suggest that air pollutants such as SO 2 and CO increase the risk of recent symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years in Spain.

Contaminación del aire y síntomas recientes de asma, rinitis alérgica y eccema atópico en escolares de 6 y 7 años

Objective The objective of the study was to analyze the relationship between air pollutants and the prevalence of recent symptoms of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years. Patients and Methods The prevalence of recent (previous 12 months) symptoms of allergic diseases was obtained by means of the questionnaire of the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), Spain, with the participation of 7 centers (Asturias, Barcelona, Bilbao, Cartagena, La Coruña, Madrid, and Valencia) and 20 455 schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years, from 2002 to 2003. The pollutant detection systems of the aforementioned centers provided the mean annual concentrations of sulfur dioxide (SO 2), nitrogen dioxide (NO 2), carbon monoxide (CO), and total suspended particulate matter. Results The annual average concentration of SO 2 showed a significant association with a higher prevalence of recent severe asthma (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] between level-1 and level-3 pollution, 1.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01–1.73), rhinitis (aOR, 1.56; 95% CI, 1.39–1.75), and rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.45–2.00). The annual average concentration of CO was associated with a higher prevalence of rhinitis (aOR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.34–2.04), rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.31–2.37), and eczema (aOR, 1.55; 95% CI, 1.17–2.04). The annual average concentration for NO 2 and total suspended particulate matter showed inverse associations with the prevalence of nocturnal dry cough. Conclusions Findings suggest that air pollutants such as SO 2 and CO increase the risk of recent symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren aged between 6 and 7 years in Spain.

Mast cell activation after adenosine inhalation challenge in patients with bronchial asthma

A total of 7.5% of the males and 2.2% of the females had persistent wheezing complaints. Wheezing symptoms were found to be significantly high among males and smokers. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and dermatitis were 24.1% and 6.8% respectively. Rhinitis rates were 16.5% among males and 7.6% among females. The eczema rate was 5.2% among males and 1.6% among females. Prevalence of having a pet at home was 11.7% and family history of atopy was 11.9%. Pet ownership [OR: 1.25 (0.94–1.65)] and family history of atopy [(OR: 3.77(2.88–4.94)] were significantly associated with rhinitis. Smoking rate was 23.3% in the whole group, 20.3% in males and 3.0% in females. Wheezing, asthma-like symptoms, cumulative asthma, current asthma and rhinitis were less common related in students who did not smoke. The rates of asthma, and asthma-like symptoms were found to be higher among smoking students than in non-smoking students, statistically. The low prevalence of asthma in our low-income population may depend on geographical and climatic variation, as well as to the low socioeconomic status of our population. The higher prevalence of rhinitis may depend on that some students may have confused the question about rhinitis and some with sinusitis or other nonallergic rhinitis complaints may have answered the same question with yes , because nonallergic rhinitis patients may have the same complaints like allergic rhinitis patients (5). In conclusion, asthma and/or asthmalike symptoms among university students in the eastern region of Turkey are lower than the developed countries, and habitual smoking is an important risk factor for allergic diseases.

High prevalence of rhinitis in the Belgian population About three quarters of people

High prevalence of rhinitis in the Belgian population About three quarters of people

Rhinitis and asthma in athletes: an ARIA document in collaboration with GA2LEN

This consensus document is aimed at reviewing evidence that the rhinitis-asthma links have peculiar features in athletes. Beside a review of epidemological data on the high prevalence of rhinitis and asthma in athletes, the effects on intense physical exercise on the immune system and repiratory functions are discussed, with special reference to the role of allergens and pollutants. In extending the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) recommendations to athletes, the issue is addressed of adapting diagnosis and management to criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and regulations adopted by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Occupational rhinitis

This review updates existing knowledge on occupational rhinitis based on epidemiological and clinical research studies published from 2003 to 2005. The review covers new developments on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, monitoring and management of occupational rhinitis. This article also provides updated information on the prevalence and incidence of both occupational rhinitis and work-related symptoms of rhinitis, as well as on causal agents and personal risk factors associated with this condition. Occupational rhinitis is frequently under-diagnosed due to a lack of physician awareness. Diagnosis is suspected when symptoms occur in relation to work. Differentiating between immunological sensitization and irritation may be difficult. Given the high prevalence of rhinitis in the general population from all causes, objective tests confirming the occupational origin are essential. Measures of inflammatory parameters via nasal lavage and objective assessment of nasal congestion both offer practical means of monitoring responses. Growing experience with acoustic rhinometry and peak nasal inspiratory flow suggests that these methods will have an increasingly important role in monitoring and diagnosing in the future. Recent findings indicate that work-related rhinitis is to some extent preventable. Surveillance of sensitized workers may allow early detection of occupational rhinitis.

Self reported rhinitis is a significant problem for patients with asthma

There is increasing interest in the possibility that rhinitis and asthma are intricately interlinked. The aim of this baseline audit was to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of rhinitis symptoms in a large-scale UK primary care-based survey of patients with asthma. A questionnaire about the presence/absence and type of nasal symptoms, seasonal variations, and trigger factors was developed and piloted. This was then distributed among approximately 10,500 patients with clinician-diagnosed asthma via a national database of practice nurses. We achieved a response from 7,129 patients (68%). Of these, 76% (n=5,420) had symptoms indicative of rhinitis as shown by the presence of more than one of the following: nasal blockage; runny nose; sneezing; and itchy eyes, ears or palate. 58% reported predominantly seasonal symptoms and 42% predominantly perennial symptoms. Sneezing was reported in a significantly greater proportion of patients with seasonal (66%) than perennial (58%) symptoms, together with itchy eyes/ears/palate (seasonal 60%, perennial 48%) and rhinorrhoea (56%, 51%) (all p< or =0.001). Symptoms of nasal blockage were more commonly reported in the group with perennial symptoms (perennial 61%, seasonal 53%) (p<0.001). In this large national baseline survey, 76% of patients with asthma reported symptoms indicative of rhinitis. In view of the very high prevalence of rhinitis among people with asthma, we suggest that the diagnosis of rhinitis is considered in all those with asthma.

Prevalence of Asthma, Rhinitis, and Eczema from ISAAC Survey of Schoolchildren in Central Taiwan

Asthma is a common disease among schoolchildren in Taiwan. It is clearly a trend that the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema has been increasing in developed countries such as Taiwan, but the data remain limited. This study is part of an effort to evaluate the epidemiology of asthma, rhinitis and eczema in Taiwan and to assess the prevalence and severity of those disorders among school age in central Taiwan. The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC, phase III) standard written questionnaire was administered to 7,873 first grade schoolchildren, 6 to 8 years of age from 47 different elementary schools in Changhwa county, which is located in central Taiwan. The overall cumulative and 12-month prevalence of wheezing is 10.4% and 5.0%, respectively. The prevalence of diagnosed asthma by doctor is 7.0%. Rhinitis is 24.6% and eczema 18.0%. Multiple logic regression analysis shows that a higher prevalence of wheezing and rhinitis is associated with males. Among these school-age children, the peak incidence of asthma and rhinitis is in the winter months, especially in December and January.We also compared the prevalence of asthma, rhinitis, and eczema in two severely polluted areas in Changhwa County with the prevalence in less polluted parts of the county. One is the area near a huge petrochemical company, TaiHao Petroleum Company, located in the central area of the county. The other is XiZhao, a rural area located near an incinerator. These were compared with the less-polluted Coast-Area and with the rest Changhwa County area. The school-age children living near the TaiHao Company have a higher prevalence of wheezing, diagnosed asthma, and diagnosed eczema, but there are no differences for rhinitis. As for XiZhao and Coast areas, those children have significantly higher rates of nasal problems, diagnosed rhinitis, and eczema than the rest of the area, but we did not find a significant difference in the prevalence of asthma. Among school-age children who lived in the Coast area, we found a higher prevalence of rhinitis and nasal problems with associated itchy eyes than among children in other areas of the county.