Prevalence Of Allergic Conjunctivitis Research Articles

FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE PREVALENCE OF ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS AMONG PATIENTS RECEIVING EYE CARE SERVICES IN JINJA REGIONAL REFERRAL HOSPITAL EYE CLINIC. A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY.

The purpose of the study To determine the prevalence and associated factors of allergic Conjunctivitis among patients attending the eye clinic at Jinja Regional Referral Hospital. Methods This was a cross-sectional study design employing quantitative methods of data collection. The study area was the eye clinic of Jinja RRH. Results The study revealed that in the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis, the majority 55/72 (76%) was seen mostly in children and only 17/72 (24%) were adults. The majority 58/72 (80%) of the respondents were living in dust places while 14/72 (19.4%) were not living in a dust place. The majority 48/72 (66.7%) of the respondents agreed that environmental allergen exposure was a factor contributing to allergic conjunctivitis while the least 24/72 (33.3%) disagreed. On the weather condition of the respondents, the majority 53/72 (73.6%) agreed while 19/72 (26.4%) disagreed that weather conditions could not bring about allergic conjunctivitis among patients. The majority, 43/72 (59.7%) of the respondents agreed that occupational exposure was also contributing to allergic conjunctivitis and the least 29/72 (40.3%) disagreed. Regarding airborne irritants, the majority, 52/72 (72.2%) of respondents agreed that it is a factor that contributes to allergic conjunctivitis among patients while the least disagreed 20/72 (27.8%) disagreed. Conclusion Children have been found to have a higher prevalence compared to adults, which can be attributed to factors such as immature immune systems, increased exposure to allergens, and higher susceptibility to environmental triggers. Recommendations: Environmental Control Measures should be put in place to reduce exposure to environmental triggers such as dust, pollen, and airborne irritants. This should include regular cleaning and dusting of living spaces, using air purifiers, minimizing outdoor activities during high pollen seasons, and avoiding exposure to known irritants or allergens.

A Comprehensive Analysis of Immunoglobulin E Levels, Allergen-Specific Sensitivities, and Clinical Manifestations in Allergic Dermatological Conditions: A Multicenter Retrospective Study in China.

To assess the correlations between Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, pruritus, and lesion severity in patients with eczema, atopic dermatitis, or urticaria. A retrospective study was conducted and data of 814 patients who visited the dermatology or allergy clinics of multiple hospitals, from December 2019 to December 2021, were collected. Patients were divided into children group (<18 years, 325 cases), adult group (18-60 years, 435 cases), and older population group (>60 years, 54 cases) based on the age. Baseline information, pruritus severity, severity of skin lesions, total IgE level, and specific IgE level were recorded to analyze the complex relationship between them. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and allergic rhinitis in the children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). The positive rate of specific IgE in children group was significantly higher than that in the adult and older population group (P < 0.01). The IgE levels in children with moderate pruritus were significantly lower than those of severe pruritus (63.39vs 114.42 IU/mL, P < 0.05). The IgE levels in children with mild and moderate skin lesions were significantly lower than those in children with severe skin lesions (58.95 vs 72.88 vs 169.15 IU/mL, P < 0.001 or P < 0.01, respectively). Relationships among age, severity of skin pruritus and lesions, and allergen-specific IgE response are complex and subtle, displaying dynamic patterns.

Airborne Suspended Particulate Matter and the Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Japan.

Background This study aimed to examine the association of suspended particulate matter (SPM) with outpatient attendance for allergic conjunctivitis. Methodology The information on air pollution, encompassing total hydrocarbons, non-methane hydrocarbons, methane, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxide, nitric oxide, oxidants, and SPM alongside data concerning daily weather conditions such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity, was gathered. Subsequently, the weekly mean values for outpatient visits, air pollution, and weather parameters were computed. Results The number of outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis was significantly associated with SPM levels (r = 0.70, p = 0.0037), oxidant levels (r = 0.70, p = 0.0038), wind speed (r = 0.48, p = 0.0472), and humidity (r = 0.77, p = 0.0009) from January to March, as well as SPM levels (r = 0.53, p = 0.0309) and carbon monoxide (r = 0.56, p = 0.0230) from April to June. Multivariate analysis showed that SPM (odds ratio = 1.37, p = 0.0161) and wind velocity (odds ratio = 1.52, p = 0.0038) were significant predictors of the number of outpatient visits from January to December. Conclusions SPM levels were the only independent predictor of outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis, suggesting that SPM contributes to the pathophysiology of this condition.

Function of gastrin-releasing peptide receptors in ocular itch transmission in the mouse trigeminal sensory system

The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in itchy eyes has increased constantly worldwide owing to environmental pollution. Currently, anti-allergic and antihistaminic eye drops are used; however, there are many unknown aspects about the neural circuits that transmit itchy eyes. We focused on the gastrin-releasing peptide (GRP) and GRP receptor (GRPR), which are reportedly involved in itch transmission in the spinal somatosensory system, to determine whether the GRP system is involved in itch neurotransmission of the eyes in the trigeminal sensory system. First, the instillation of itch mediators, such as histamine (His) and non-histaminergic itch mediator chloroquine (CQ), exhibited concentration-dependent high levels of eye scratching behavior, with a significant sex differences observed in the case of His. Histological analysis revealed that His and CQ significantly increased the neural activity of GRPR-expressing neurons in the caudal part of the spinal trigeminal nucleus of the medulla oblongata in GRPR transgenic mice. We administered a GRPR antagonist or bombesin-saporin to ablate GRPR-expressing neurons, followed by His or CQ instillation, and observed a decrease in CQ-induced eye-scratching behavior in the toxin experiments. Intracisternal administration of neuromedin C (NMC), a GRPR agonist, resulted in dose-dependent excessive facial scratching behavior, despite the absence of an itch stimulus on the face. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that non-histaminergic itchy eyes were transmitted centrally via GRPR-expressing neurons in the trigeminal sensory system, and that NMC in the medulla oblongata evoked facial itching.

ROLE OF SAINDHAVADI BIDALAKA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VATAJA ABHISHYANDA (ALLERGIC CONJUNCTIVITIS)

In the present age, Allergic Conjunctivitis is the most common eye disease caused due to allergens like dust, pollen from trees and grass, animal dander, chemical scents, etc. The prevalence of allergic Conjunctivitis in India is on the higher side, affecting 15% to 40% of the Indian population and it is observed to be a seasonal disease, i.e., during summer. According to Acharya Sushruta, Abhishyanda (Conjunctivitis) is the root cause of almost all ocular diseases and, if it is not treated priorly, may land in a chronic course, further resulting in developing severe complications such as Adhimantha (Glaucoma) etc. Vataja Abhishyanda can be correlated to Allergic Conjunctivitis. Allergic Conjunctivitis is characterized by itching, burning sensation, watery, mucous, or stringy discharge, mild photophobia, and eye hyperemia. In the present study, according to Acharya Charaka, Saindhavadi Bidalaka was done on the patient having symptoms of Vataja Abhishyanda (Allergic Conjunctivitis) for 7 days. Vata is said to be the predominant dosha of Vataja Abhishyanda (Allergic Conjunctivitis). Saindhavadi Bidalaka has Vataghna properties (pacify Vata dosha); thus, it will reduce the symptoms of Vataja Abhishyanda (Allergic Conjunctivitis). A total of 3 patients of Vataja Abhishyanda (Allergic Conjunctivitis) were treated by Saindhavadi Bidalaka for seven days. The assessment of the condition was done before and after treatment. The result of the study was analyzed by comparing the before and after the completion of the study. The result proves to be significantly effective based on its clinical assessment.

Major considerations and clinical findings on the allergic conjunctivitis: a narrative and systematic review

Introduction: Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a disease of increasing prevalence, affecting children and adults, with progressive loss of quality of life. It has been reported that about 20 % of the entire human population undergoes a form of allergy. The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) varies around the world, usually ranging from 15 to 40 %. In Japan, the prevalence of allergic diseases is the conjunctiva is estimated to be as high as 15% -20% of the population is on the rise. Objective: the present objective was to carry out a narrative and systematic review of the major clinical considerations of allergic conjunctivitis, as well as the main treatments, immunological aspects, and allergic conjunctivitis classification. Methods: The systematic review rules of the PRISMA Platform were followed. The research was carried out from May to June 2022 in Scopus, PubMed, Science Direct, Scielo, and Google Scholar databases. Scientific articles from the last 20 years were selected. The quality of the studies was based on the GRADE instrument. The risk of bias was analyzed according to the Cochrane instrument. Results: A total of 512 articles were found, and 35 articles were included in the systematic review. Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva secondary to an immune response to foreign antigens, usually called allergens. This inflammation can be mediated or non-IgE and atopy could play a significant role in the outcome. These forms include seasonal and perennial allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Giant papillary conjunctivitis and contact or induced by dermatoconjunctivitis drugs are considered to be allergic conjunctivitis subtypes. Conclusion: It was concluded that allergic conjunctivitis is a frequent comorbid with many undiagnosed patients. Then, an additional specific questioning and a therapeutic challenge in suspected patients may help identify patients who may benefit from treatment of Allergic conjunctivitis.

English

BACKGROUND Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common eye condition that is frequent in childhood. The prevalence of allergic diseases in children aged 6 to 14 years varies significantly from 0.3 % to 20.5 %, and is gradually increasing.1 It is associated with several allergic diseases affecting the ocular surface and it is the most common ocular condition encountered in clinical practice. This study was conducted to determine the prevalence, ocular manifestations of allergic conjunctivitis, and associated comorbidities among school-going children in Western Odisha. METHODS A total of 1502 children from 10 schools of Burla, participated in this crosssectional observational study. Data collection started in September 2018 up to September 2019. All the children underwent meticulous history taking for symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis and any other associated comorbidities, a structured validated questionnaire was used to collect demographic and medical data. Visual assessment, and slit-lamp examination were done to look for signs of allergic conjunctivitis and any associated complications. Interpretation and data analysis was done using Epi Info Software and a chi-square test was used to analyse significant associations among categorical variables. RESULTS The prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was found to be 29.16 % with a males to female ratio of 1.02: 1. Children aged 13 – 16 years recorded the highest number of cases which was 43.60 %. The commonest presenting symptom was itching (100 %), Papillae were the most frequent sign (97.71 %), Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC) was the most common type of AC reported (59.36 %), and allergic rhinitis (17.8 %) was the most common associated comorbidity. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Allergic conjunctivitis is high among children aged 5 - 16 yrs. There is a lack of treatment seeking behaviour inspite of such high frequency. Early identification &amp; treatment of patients would help curb complications, improve the child’s quality of life and thus the ophthalmic health of the community. KEYWORDS Allergic Conjunctivitis, Ocular Comorbidities, SAC

Prevalence, morbidity and treatment seeking behavior for allergic conjunctivitis in children in a North Indian community

PurposeTo assess the prevalence, morbidity and treatment seeking behavior amongst children aged 5–15 years, suffering from allergic conjunctivitis. MethodsA cross-sectional survey was done in a semiurban low-income community in Chandigarh, India. Children of age group 5–15 years, having allergic conjunctivitis were identified by systematic random sampling technique. A survey proforma and an interview schedule was used to gather information on socio demographic profile and data pertaining to allergic conjunctivitis and related morbidities among the study subjects. Intensity of symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis was also assessed using proforma and an observation checklist. ResultsA total of 217 subjects were enrolled. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis was 12.22%. Occurrence was more in males (13.44%) than females (10.71%). Itching and frequent eye rubbing were the commonly reported symptoms. Dust (35%) was the most common precipitating factor and perennial conjunctivitis was more common (54.8%). Reported co-morbidities included allergic rhinitis / hay fever (23.9%), dermatitis (9.7%) and asthma (0.5%). Only 44% subjects had sought treatment from a doctor; and barely 11% completed their treatment. ConclusionsAllergic conjunctivitis has a high prevalence among children but is frequently overlooked. Inspite of its frequency, treatment seeking behavior is low amongst the affected population. Identification of patients and their appropriate treatment is important to improve the ophthalmic health of the community.

Epidemiology of allergic conjunctivitis: clinical appearance and treatment patterns in a population-based study.

To analyse the most recently published studies on the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis alone or in association with allergic rhinitis, and the clinical and demographic aspects of the disease. Allergic conjunctivitis or conjunctival symptoms are present in 30-71% of patients with allergic rhinitis. Allergic conjunctivitis alone has been estimated in 6-30% of the general population and in up to 30% in children alone or in association with allergic rhinitis. Seasonal allergic conjunctivitis is the most frequent form; however, studies from tertiary, ophthalmology referral centers report that the chronic forms, such as vernal and atopic keratoconjunctivitis, are the most frequently seen by ophthalmologists. A recent large survey performed at a national level involving 304 ophthalmologists showed that the majority of patients with allergic conjunctivitis suffer annually of few episodes of mild ,intermittent conjunctivitis. However, 30% of patients are affected by frequent episodes with intense and persistent symptoms. Treatment is frequently not appropriate. Even though allergic conjunctivitis is often associated to allergic rhinitis, epidemiology studies frequently do not include specific ophthalmological evaluations. An understanding of allergic conjunctivitis disease, its prevalence, demographics and treatment paradigms will provide important information towards understanding its pharmacoeconomics and burden on the national health systems.

Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis among basic school children in the Kumasi Metropolis (Ghana): a community-based cross-sectional study.

BackgroundThere seems a preponderance of hospital-based studies on the prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis (AC) compared to community-based ones, particularly among children in Ghana and Africa as a whole. Meanwhile, literature supports the possibility of underdiagnosing AC in the hospital setting; exponentially so when males generally have poor hospital-attending behavior. This may lead to underestimation of the true burden of AC. Consequently, the purpose of the current community-based study was to determine the prevalence of AC among basic school children in the Kumasi Metropolis, while identifying its associated symptoms.MethodsA cross-sectional community-based study involving 1571 students from 11 basic schools (Primary and JHS) participated in the study. Data collection started in November 2011 and was completed in March 2014. After history taking, subjects underwent a battery of tests; visual acuity, objective refraction, anterior and posterior segments examination with a slit-lamp and a direct ophthalmoscope respectively.ResultsThe prevalence of AC was 39.9 %. The mean (±SD) age of participants was 8 ± 0.65 years. AC was significantly associated with gender (p < 0.05), but not with age (p > 0.05). A total of 70 % of the students with AC never had any form of treatment.ConclusionsAC is an endemic ocular disease among basic schools in the Kumasi metropolis and therefore calls for pragmatic and proactive measures to reduce its burden and effects on its victims. Public health measures may be required to help reduce the burden associated with this condition.

Airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) and the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Japan

ObjectiveExposure to particulate matter less than 2.5μm in diameter (PM2.5) is associated with asthma and respiratory symptoms, but little is known about the influence of PM2.5 on allergic conjunctivitis. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of PM2.5 with outpatient attendance for allergic conjunctivitis. MethodsWe conducted a time-series analysis of the association between outpatient attendance for allergic conjunctivitis and PM2.5 levels from May to July (non-pollen season) and from August to October (the autumnal pollen season) in 2012. Air pollution data (including the levels of PM2.5, oxidants, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, methane, non-methane hydrocarbons, and total hydrocarbons) and data on the daily weather conditions (temperature, wind speed, and humidity) were collected at a centrally located monitoring station in Tokyo. We calculated weekly average values for the daily number of outpatient visits, as well as the air pollution and weather data, and used the weekly average values for analysis. ResultsThere was a significant association between the number of outpatient visits for allergic conjunctivitis and the PM2.5 level (r=0.62, p=0.0177) from May to July, while no correlation was found between the number of outpatient visits and any variable assessed from August to November. Multivariate analysis also showed that PM2.5 was a significant predictor of the number of outpatient visits from May to July (odds ratio=9.05, p=0.0463), while there were no significant predictors of the number of outpatient visits from August to October. From May to July, PM2.5 showed a negative correlation with humidity (r=−0.53, p=0.0499). ConclusionsThese findings suggest a possible role of PM2.5 in the development of allergic conjunctivitis during the non-pollen season. This association between PM2.5 and allergic conjunctivitis may have broad public health implications in relation to allergic diseases.

Prevalence Study About Allergic Conjunctivitis in Third and Fourth Grade Elementary School Children

Purpose : The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of allergic conjuctivitis among Korean school-age childrenas well as to assess the difference between residential areas in Jeju island.Method : 631 children of 3rd and 4th grade elementary school from six elementary schools in Jeju island were recruited.Participants filled out questionnaires on allergic conjunctivitis symptoms. Diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis was diagnosed whenslit-lamp examination of conjunctival injection and conjunctival papilla were observed. Europe mites, Humulus japonicus, CitrusRed Mite, Japanese cedar on the skin prick test were performed. Segment netrophill, lymphocyte, eosinophil, basophil, ECP,total IgE allergy blood tests were performed. One-way ANOVA test was carried out to assess difference of allergic conjunctivitisprevalence between each school. Bivariate Pearson correlation analysis about allergic conjunctivitis and blood test and skinprick test results was made.Results : The overall prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in the 10-11 year-old children was 18.8% (95% confidence interval;17.1~20.5%). The mean prevalence of each subgroup was 15.3% (N=359) in north area, 36.3% (N=80) in west area, 10.6%(N=45) in east area, and 20.1% (N=147) in south area. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Jeju island was statisticallysignificant for each regional group. For allergic conjunctivitis, skin prick test and blood tests showed no significant correlation.Conclusion : This study was able to confirm the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in third and fourth grade of elementaryschool students in Jeju for the first time. The overall prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis (18.8%) was similar with other previousreports carried on Koreans childhood residents. This study was based on slit lamp examination findings, which was uniquefindings compared with previous studies based on questionnaires.

Allergic conjunctivitis and the most common allergens in Northern Greece

Background Ocular allergies affect a great part of the general population and often co exist with other allergic manifestations. In the present study, the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and the commonest allergens in allergic patients at an outpatient unit in Thessaloniki, Greece were evaluated.Methods This is a retrospective study regarding allergic patients who referred to an outpatient clinic between the 1st of January of 1996 and the 31st of December 2010. They completed relative questionnaires concerning their allergic condition. The patients who were included in our study had allergic conjunctivitis confirmed by ophthalmologists and were divided into 4 groups. The criteria used were the existence of allergic conjunctivitis alone or with other allergic co- morbidities. The patients then underwent skin prick tests after consent according to current guidelines.Results The archives of 1239 allergic patients were evaluated and 497 patients (40,11%) who manifested eye allergic symptoms were included in our study. 448 patients (90.14%) had allergic conjunctivitis in conjunction with asthma or rhinitis or both. 370 patients underwent skin prick tests and 284 of them (124 males-160 females) were positive for at least 1 of the 8 tested allergens (76.75%). 166 were positive to a grass mix (58.45%), 130 to olea European (45.77%), 124 to dust mites mix (43.66%), 58 to cypress (20.42%), 71 to parietaria officinalis (25.00%), 67 to cat dander (23.59%), 35 to dog dander (12.32%) and 32 to Altenaria (11.26%).Conclusions Symptoms of ocular allergy are very common in patients with allergic rhinitis and asthma. Men had slightly higher percentages of positive skin prick tests, except for dog dander and Altenaria. Conjunctivitis should not be overlooked as an allergic entity when evaluating allergic patients.

Ocular Morbidity in School going Children of Kolar District, South India

Background: Prevalence of blindness in children is estimated to be around 1.25/1000 in rural and 0.53/1000 in urban areas. School eye screening children is useful in detecting correctable causes of decreased vision, especially refractive errors and minimizing long-term visual disability. This information is important in planning eye care programs to reduce the burden of visual impairment among them. Our school eye health survey was implemented with the aim of prevention of blindness by early detection and treatment of eye health problems. Materials and Methods: In this study 2680 children, aged 6-16 years from schools were screened for detecting ophthalmic problems. SPSS software and the Chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Prevalence of ocular morbidities was 13.32%, among them refractive errors were 89.63%, allergic conjunctivitis 5.88%, Vitamin-A deficiency 5.6%, squint 3.92%, lid infections 3.64%, and amblyopia 2.24%. On correction 93.75% children improved to normal vision. Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis and lid infections were significantly more in government schools (P=<0.05). Conclusion: Refractive errors were the most common ocular morbidity followed by allergic conjunctivitis and Vitamin A deficiency. Identifying and treating these children along with health education and awareness about hygienic eye care will reduce the visual morbidity. KEYWORDS: Ocular morbidity, School children, Health education

Epidemiology of allergic conjunctivitis

To describe currently available epidemiological data on the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis is often underdiagnosed and consequently undertreated except when it is severe and the chief complaint of a consultation in a specialty clinic. Use of healthcare resources and reduced quality of life of affected individuals justify studies on the prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis. The association of allergic nasal and ocular symptoms (rhinoconjunctivitis) is common. Most children with allergic conjunctivitis have allergic rhinitis. Older population studies estimate a prevalence of 15-20% of allergic conjunctivitis, but more recent studies implicate rates as high as 40%. Ocular symptoms are common and contribute to the burden of allergic rhinitis and lower quality of life. Ocular allergies rank a very close second and at times may overcome the primary complaints of nasal congestion in rhinoconjunctivitis patients. Little focus has been set on the impact of allergic conjunctivitis as comorbidity to asthma and rhinitis in atopic patients. Conjunctivitis symptoms are at least as severe as rhinitis symptoms in patients with 'hay fever' and some have even generated the term of conjunctivorhinitis stressing the ocular symptoms. Prevalence studies should be specifically addressed to ocular allergy symptoms.

Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis: a missed opportunity?

Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis: a missed opportunity?

Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Adolescents

Prevalence of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Adolescents

Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Italian young men

Prevalence of allergic conjunctivitis in Italian young men