Risk Factors For Allergic Rhinitis Research Articles

Epidemiology and risk factors for allergic rhinitis

Epidemiology and risk factors for allergic rhinitis

Prospective study on prevalence of aeroallergens in allergic rhinitis in a teaching hospital, Telangana

Allergic rhinitis is an IgE antibody mediated, inflammatory disease.The most commonly encountered risk factors for allergic rhinitis are presence of atopy, asthma, eczema, and other allergic illnesses. Identification of aeroallergens helps in patient counseling to modify life style and prevent exposure to triggering factors.To determine the prevalence of aeroallergens in allergic rhinitis. This was a prospective study done in cases of allergic rhinitis over a duration of one year from January 2019 to December 2019. Complete history taking was followed by ENT examination including Rhinoscopy and endoscopy, peripheral smear examination for eosinophils, absolute eosinophil count testing and Skin prick testing with known allergens and serum IgE level testing. A total of 145 cases of allergic rhinitis were studied. The patient age ranged from 11 years to 50 years. The male to female ratio was 0.5:1. Most common allergen causing allergic rhinitis was dust mite which constituted about 44.1% cases. The next common allergen was Mold which accounted for 20.6% cases. We conclude that there are numerous aeroallergens that can cause allergic rhinitis and the most common ones are dust mites, molds, house dust, animal dander, pollen and others. Correct identification of the aeroallergen helps in the proper counseling of the patients so as to prevent exposure to those aeroallergens thereby reducing the episodes and severity of allergic rhinitis.

A Multicenter Study of Prevalence and Risk Factors for Allergic Rhinitis in Primary School Children in 5 Cities of Hubei Province, China

Background: Few data are available concerning the prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis (AR) in school children in Hubei Province which is located in the central part of China. This study investigated the epidemiological features of AR among school children in Hubei Province. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey on AR in school children was carried out in 5 cities in Hubei Province by cluster sampling from June to September 2018. Questionnaires were filled out by children and their parents jointly. The diagnostic criteria of AR were according to the SFAR. Questions from the questionnaire were used to examine the pattern of AR. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the risk factors for childhood allergies. Results: The total prevalence rate of AR was 16.16%, with 24.31% (Wuhan), 4.34% (Xiangyang), 4.31% (Tianmen), 10.92% (Jingmen), and 11.42% (Huangshi), respectively. The prevalence of AR was positively correlated with gross domestic product per capita (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that male, city of Wuhan, family history of allergy, food allergy, drug allergy, air purifier, exposure to dust, living in towns or urban area before 2 years old, maternal age for 26–35 years old, and frequent application of antibiotics increased the risk of AR, while daily outdoor time for 1–2 h, daily sleeping time >8 h, siblings, and breastfeeding for >6 months reduced the risk significantly. Conclusion: We found the apparent geographic variation of children allergies in Hubei Province. Both genetic and environment factors had impacts on the prevalence of AR in school children. Public policies should specifically target at the local risk factors for different areas.

Prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis and asthma in the southern edge of the plateau grassland region of northern China: A cross-sectional study

BackgroundThe prevalence rates of allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in the border region of China may be different from those in the central region of plateau grasslands. A survey was performed to investigate the prevalence and risk factors for AR, asthma, and AR combined with asthma among adults (age ≥ 20 years) residing in the southern border of plateau grasslands in northern China. MethodsFrom May to August 2018, a cross-sectional survey was completed by subjects that were selected using a cluster random sampling method. The subjects completed a questionnaire and were administered skin prick tests (SPTs). Risk factors for AR, asthma, and AR combined with asthma were examined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. ResultsA total of 1815 adult subjects in the selected region completed study. The prevalence rates of physician-diagnosed AR, asthma, and AR combined with asthma were 13.9% (253), 9.8% (177), and 2.9% (52), respectively. Among the patients with AR, 20.6% were found to have concurrent asthma; among the patients with asthma, 29.4% were found to have concurrent AR. Artemisia and Humulus pollen were the most common sensitizing pollen types. Approximately 70% of subjects with AR and <30% of asthma patients were sensitized to Artemisia and Humulus pollen. Symptoms of AR and asthma mainly appeared during August. A multivariable logistic regression analysis identified sensitization pollen as an independent risk factor for both AR and AR combined with asthma (AR: OR = 16.23, 95% CI: 10.15–25.96; AR combined with asthma: OR = 6.16, 95% CI: 1.28–29.66). An age >40 years old, family history of asthma, moderate-to-severe AR, adverse food reactions, and mold allergies were independent risk factors for AR combined with asthma. ConclusionsThis study identified the prevalence rates of AR and asthma in the southern borders of the plateau grassland in northern China (>1500 m above sea level). Sensitization pollen is an independent risk factor for AR and AR combined with asthma.

Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis and Risk Factors in School Children

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and the risk factors of allergic rhinitis in a particular area. Methods: The main study group consisted of all school children in Kemalpasa district aged 13-14 years. Children with current rhinitis based on responses given in ISAAC questionnaire survey were further evaluated for confirmation. Parents responded to a more detailed questionnaire about allergic diseases and risk factors. Then peak nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) was evaluated to objectively assess nasal patency. Skin-prick test was performed for ten common allergens. Results: The questionnaire was answered by 90.8% (1373) of children. The prevalence of physician-diagnosed AR was 11.1%. Current rhinitis was found to be 31.3%. Of this group, 55.0% were admitted for the parent questionnaire and tests. Precisely, 90.3% of children accepted PNIF evaluation, and %10.1 of them had a nasal obstruction. Skin-prick tests revealed allergy for at least 1 allergen in 16.6% of children. The present study showed that the children with maternal allergic rhinitis history had 2,18 fold, and the children with seasonal allergic rhinitis had 2,11 fold higher possibility of sensitization to an allergen. The probability of perennial allergic rhinitis was 3,1 fold higher in the children who had siblings with allergic rhinitis. Conclusion: We included all children in a specific age group living in an area in our survey. As well as we found the prevalence of current rhinitis with the ISAAC questionnaire; we also evaluated peak nasal inspiratory flow and used skin-prick tests that yielded objective results.

Prevalence of allergic rhinitis, related comorbidities and risk factors in schoolchildren

BackgroundThe study aimed to determine the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis and related comorbidities in school-age children in Budapest, capital of Hungary. Data and epidemiological studies on this disease are still limited.MethodsA cross sectional study was conducted in 21 representative and randomly selected primary schools in 2019. International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-based questionnaires (n = 6869) inquiring about prevalence and related risk factors of allergic rhinitis were distributed to all parents. The data were characterised with standard descriptive statistics: frequencies (percentages) and means for categorical and quantitative data, respectively.Results3836 of the questionnaires (1857 M/1979F) were completed. The prevalence of current allergic rhinitis was 29.3% (1043), physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis was 9.7% (373), cumulative allergic rhinitis was 36.2% (1289) and current allergic rhinoconjunctivitis was 16.2% (577). The presence of physician diagnosed atopic disease–asthma (p < 0.0001, OR = 4.398, 95% CI 3.356–5.807), food allergy (p < 0.0001, OR = 2.594, 95% CI 1.995–3.378), and eczema (p < 0.0001, OR = 1.899, 95% CI 1.568–2.300)-were significantly related to an increased risk of cumulative allergic rhinitis. Significant factors associated with allergic rhinitis include male gender (p < 0.0001), family history of atopy (p < 0.0001), frequent upper respiratory tract infections (p < 0.0001), tonsillectomy (p = 0.0054), antibiotics given in the first year of life (p < 0.0001), paracetamol given in the first year of life (p = 0.0038), long-lasting common infections caused by viruses and/or bacteria before the appearance of the allergy (p < 0.0001), consumption of drinks containing preservatives or colourants (p = 0.0023), duration of living in Budapest (p = 0.0386), smoking at home (p = 0.0218), smoking at home in the first year of life (p = 0.0048), birds at home (p = 0.0119), birds at home in the first year of life (p = 0.0052), visible mould in the bedroom (p = 0.0139), featherbedding (p = 0.0126), frequent or constant heavy-vehicle traffic (p = 0.0039), living in a weedy area (p < 0.0001) and living in the vicinity of an air-polluting factory or mine (p = 0.0128).ConclusionsThe prevalence of allergic rhinoconjunctivitis in 6–12-year-old children in Budapest is higher than reported for most of the surrounding European countries. While asthma (OR = 4.398) is the most significant comorbidity, environmental factors such as birds at home in the first year of life (OR = 2.394) and living in a weedy area (OR = 1.640) seem to be the most important factors associated with AR. Strategies for preventive measures should be implemented.Trial registration number: KUT-19/2019. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee at Heim Pál National Pediatric Institute,

Bisphenol A as a risk factor for allergic rhinitis in children.

Bisphenol-A (BPA) is an endocrine disrupting compound and may exacerbate or induce allergic diseases. To the best of our knowledge, there is little evidence regarding the effects of BPA exposure on allergic rhinitis (AR) in children. In the present study, we sought to examine whether exposure to BPA in children is associated with AR. This study was designed as a case controlled clinical study. 140 children diagnosed as allergic rhinitis and 140 healthy children as control group were recruited. BPA, interleukin-4, interleukin-13, total IgE and interferon-gamma levels were determined. Skin prick tests were performed in patient group. Total nasal symptom score and ARIA classification were used to predict disease severity. Serum IL-4, IgE and BPA levels of children with allergic rhinitis were found to be significantly higher than the control group. BPA and IL-4 levels were significantly higher in moderate to severe-persistent group. There was a positive correlation between total nasal symptom scores and Bisphenol A levels in children with allergic rhinitis. The present study is the first to observe statistically significant relationship between BPA concentrations and allergic rhinitis in children. Also increased levels of BPA are associated with disease severity.

Prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis and asthma in geriatric outpatients in three big cities of Turkey

This study aimed to investigate the lifetime prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis and asthma in geriatric outpatients in three big cities of our country. Elderly patients visiting geriatric outpatient clinics at university hospitals were included in this study. Two questionnaires were completed by trained investigators in face-to-face interviews of 236 people aged 65–100 years. The median age was 73.71±7.09 year, and 63% participants were female. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and asthma was found 15.3 % (n=36) and 10.2 % (n=24), respectively. The frequency of allergic rhinitis and asthma was high in females, in those with low education levels, in city, in persons having family history of atopy and in smokers, but it wasn’t statistically significant. Allergic diseases affect the elderly as well as young people. Female sex, low educational level, smoking, and living in a city are among the important risk factors for allergic rhinitis and asthma in the elderly.

Distribution of allergens and associated risk factors of patients with allergic rhinitis in Qingdao area

Objective:To analyze the distribution of allergens and the risk factors in patients with allergic rhinitis in Qingdao area. Method:Two hundred and sixteen patients diagnosed with allergic rhinitis and 49 healthy volunteers were admitted to the outpatient clinic of the Otolaryngology Department of the three branches of Qingdao University Affiliated Hospital in Qingdao from August 2018 to March 2019. A total of 271 patients（5-84 years old） were included in the epidemiological investigation. The study conducted a skin stinging test of inhalation allergens. In addition, the questionnaire of allergic disease and self-examination of dust mite allergy were carried out for each group of patients, and the results were analyzed and counted. Result:①In 216 patients with allergic rhinitis, the top six inhalation allergens were dust mites（55.0%）, house dust mites（46.1%）, tropical mites（21.8%）, dog hair（16.6%）, Artemisia halodendron（13.3%）, and German cockroaches（10.3%）. ②Inhalation allergens, the degree of positive of house dust mites and dust mites were mainly（+++）, the degree of positive of Artemisia halodendron were mainly（+++） and（++++）, and the degree of positive of other allergens were mainly（++）. ③There were statistically significant differences in the positive rates of inhalation allergens in different age groups, and the positive rates of inhalation allergens gradually decreased with age after adulthood. ④The single factor and multi-factor logical regression analysis all showed that the history of smoking, family history, age less than 18 years, and 18-40 years old were closely related to the occurrence of allergic rhinitis（P<0.05）. ⑤Using Spearson-related analysis and loess regression analysis, it was found that with the increase of dust mite self-examination score, the positive rate of dust mite increased significantly. Conclusion:The most important inhalation allergens of patients with allergic rhinitis in Qingdao area are dust mites, dog hair and artemisinin. The positive rate of inhalation allergens is influenced by age and there are certain rules in them. Smoking history, family history, age and other factors are risk factors for allergic rhinitis. The dust mite self-examination score can predict the occurrence of dust mite allergy.

Mobile Technology in Allergic Rhinitis: Evolution in Management or Revolution in Health and Care?

Smart devices and Internet-based applications (apps) are largely used in allergic rhinitis and may help to address some unmet needs. However, these new tools need to first of all be tested for privacy rules, acceptability, usability, and cost-effectiveness. Second, they should be evaluated in the frame of the digital transformation of health, their impact on health care delivery, and health outcomes. This review (1) summarizes some existing mobile health apps for allergic rhinitis and reviews those in which testing has been published, (2) discusses apps that include risk factors of allergic rhinitis, (3) examines the impact of mobile health apps in phenotype discovery, (4) provides real-world evidence for care pathways, and finally (5) discusses mobile health tools enabling the digital transformation of health and care, empowering citizens, and building a healthier society.

Study of eosinophil count in nasal smear and peripheral blood smear in children with allergic rhinitis

Background: Allergic respiratory disorders are the common cases seen in Pediatrics OPD. With an appropriate history and detailed examination, the diagnosis usually may not be problematic and routine investigations may not contribute much for the final diagnosis but may help in ruling other possibilities. The objectives of this study were done to know the eosinophil counts in nasal and blood smear and to assess the feasibility of nasal cytogram which is simple, economical and reliable investigation in patients of allergic respiratory disorders.Methods: A prospective clinical correlation study conducted in outpatient visiting Mysore Medical College and Research Institute, Cheluvamba hospital Department of Pediatrics and ENT Department KR hospital. 60 children of age group between 2 to 18 years were selected to estimate the eosinophil count in nasal and peripheral smear in allergic rhinitis. All allergic rhinitis cases based on clinical signs and symptoms were selected and investigated for nasal and blood eosinophilia. The nasal and blood eosinophilia were compared with each other and the clinical findings of allergic rhinitis were studied.Results: In this study peak age incidence is between 6-10 years and there is equal gender distribution. Seasonal variation and pollen allergens were the most common risk factors for allergic rhinitis. Running nose and the nasal obstruction were the most common symptoms in children with allergic rhinitis followed by sneezing and itching. One tenth of the children with allergic rhinitis had bronchial asthma. Nasal eosinophilia contributes to the diagnosis of allergic rhinitis as compared blood eosinophilia. Mild intermittent variety of allergic rhinitis was the most common form of allergic rhinitis.Conclusions: Among various risk factors for allergic rhinitis, seasonal variation and pollen allergens have significant association with the severity of allergic rhinitis. Among various symptomology, only itching had a significant relation to the severity of allergic rhinitis.

Sensitisation to airborne allergens as a risk factor for allergic rhinitis and asthma in the Polish population.

IntroductionThe patterns of sensitisation to airborne allergens and their association with allergic diseases have been analysed in different geographical regions.AimTo analyse the impact of sensitisation to airborne allergens on allergic rhinitis (AR) and asthma in different age groups of the Polish population.Material and methodsCompleted questionnaires of 18,617 subjects (53.8% females), collected within the ECAP, a cross-sectional multicentre study, were analysed. Three groups of respondents were included: 6–7-year-olds (24.2%), 13–14-year-olds (25.4%), 20–44-year-olds (50.4%). The clinical part (an anamnesis, physical examination, spirometry, skin prick tests and an assay of major airborne allergen-specific IgE) was attended by 25.7% of the respondents.ResultsThe AR was most strongly related to sensitisation to Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, with the highest odds ratios of 10 in two younger groups and of 16 for persistent AR in children. It was also the most important risk factor for allergic asthma, with odd ratios from 8.34 in children to 6.40 in adolescents. Sensitisation to grass pollen allergens was a major risk factor for both AR, with odds ratios from 9.16 in adults to 7.87 in adolescents, and asthma, with odds ratios from 6.16 in adolescents to 5.67 in adults.ConclusionsAR and asthma shared common risk factors, independently of age. Sensitisation to airborne allergens was significantly associated with asthma and, even more strongly, with AR, across all age groups. The AR was the strongest risk factor for allergic asthma in the youngest group. Persistent AR increased asthma risk more than intermittent AR in all age groups.

A study on reliable diagnosis of allergic respiratory diseases by using eosinophil count in nasal and blood smear: a prospective study in tertiary care centre

Background: Allergic rhinitis and asthma are two very common allergic diseases of respiratory tract in pediatric patients. In this geographical area, where the prevalence of allergens exists, the role of allergens as the etiological factor is higher in allergic respiratory disorders. Confirmation of allergen as etiologic agent is cumbersome in a small setup, where IgE estimation and allergy tests are not accessible. In this study, the simple test of peripheral smear and nasal smear eosinophil count as a reliable diagnosis to solve the above problem and establishing allergy as etiological agent has been tried.Methods: A present study which was conducted over 2 years in children between 2 to 12 years who visited tertiary health care centre, Kurnool medical college and general hospital. The allergic respiratory cases based on typical history and clinical features were included in the study and investigated for nasal and blood eosinophilia. Children with TB, recurrent and chronic pneumonia, malnutrition, malignancy, collagen vascular disorders and those who are on steroid therapy were excluded from the study. The clinical profile of allergic rhinitis with or without asthma and nasal and blood eosinophils are studied.Results: Out of 120 patients, there was male predominance and incidence was increasing as age increases. Dust is the most common risk factor for allergic rhinitis followed by weather changes, whereas in allergic rhinitis with bronchial asthma, weather change is common risk factor followed by dust and family history.Conclusions: In children with allergic rhinitis with or without bronchial asthma, there is positive relation between nasal and peripheral smear eosinophil count.

Age at Menarche and Risk of Respiratory Diseases.

Several studies have suggested a relationship between reproductive history and respiratory health. The present study explores the association between the age at menarche and the risk of respiratory diseases during early adulthood. The anthropometrical and questionnaire research was conducted among 1323 female university graduates. In a subsample of 152 non-allergic women spirometry tests were additionally performed. We found that the prevalence of allergic diseases, on average, was slightly higher among females having early menarche than in those with a later onset of menstruation; the difference failed to reach statistical significance. However, the risk of allergic rhinitis was significantly related with early menarche compared with average-time, taken as a reference, or late menarche (OR=1.61 vs. OR=1 (Ref.) vs. OR=1.23, p=0.020). The difference remained significant after adjusting for adiposity (p=0.050) and socio-economic status (p=0.001). There was no significant relationship between the age at menarche and the incidence of respiratory infections. We noticed a tendency for increased spirometry variables with increasing age at menarche. In conclusion, early menarche is a risk factor for allergic rhinitis in early adulthood.

Prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis in children in Bangkok area.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease with a high global disease burden and significant morbidity and expense. Risk factors are not well understood. The objective of our project is to study the prevalence and risk factors of AR in children living in the Bangkok area. A cross-sectional, multi-center survey using new GAN core questionnaires on current AR and risk factors was completed by 3,074 parents of children aged 6-7 years and by 3,217 children aged 13-14 years, directly. The prevalence of current AR in children aged 6-7 years and 13-14 years was 15.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]:13.8-16.3%) and 17.5% (95% CI: 16.2-18.8%), respectively. The prevalence of severe AR in children aged 6-7 years and 13-14 years was 1.0% (95% CI: 0.6-1.3%) and 1.9% (95% CI: 1.4-2.4%), respectively. Co-morbidity with asthma and eczema was 27.1% and 24.6%, respectively. Significant factors associated with AR include parental history of asthma (p = 0.025), parental history of AR (p < 0.001), parental history of eczema (p < 0.001), lower respiratory tract infection in the first year of life (p < 0.001), breastfeeding (p = 0.019), current use of paracetamol (p < 0.001), exercise (p < 0.001), current cat exposure (p = 0.008), and truck traffic on the street of residence (< 0.001). AR is a common disease among children residing in Bangkok. This study confirms that a family history of atopy (asthma, AR, and eczema), antibiotics given in the first year of life, current paracetamol use, exercise, current cat exposure, and truck traffic on the street of residence are important and significant risk factors for AR symptoms.

Children with East Asian-Born Parents Have an Increased Risk of Allergy but May Not Have More Asthma in Early Childhood

We previously reported that infants with Asian-born parents are 3 times more likely to have IgE-mediated food allergy than those with Australian-born parents. It is unknown whether this translates to the increased risk of other allergic diseases later in childhood and whether ancestry interacts with other risk factors for allergic disease development. To compare prevalence and risk factors for allergic rhinitis, asthma, and aeroallergen sensitization at age 6 between children with East Asian-born and Caucasian-born parents. A total of 5276 1-year-old infants were recruited into a population-based longitudinal study of allergy. A total of 4455 children participated in age 6 follow-up (84.4%), including 3015 with Caucasian-born parents and 415 with East Asian-born parents. Children underwent skin prick tests to aeroallergens and questionnaires captured data on asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis. Compared with children with Caucasian-born parents, children of East Asian-born parents had more allergic rhinitis (19.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) 14.9-26] vs 9.3% [95% CI 8-10.8], P < .001) and aeroallergen sensitization (64.3% [95% CI 57.5-70.5] vs 34.4% [95% CI 32.2-36.7], P<.001) at age 6. Asthma was similar in both groups (9.1% [95% CI 6.2-13.2] vs 11.7% [95% CI 10.4-13.1]), P= .21. Children with IgE-mediated food allergy and eczema in infancy were 3 times more likely to have asthma and 2 times more likely to have allergic rhinitis at age 6, irrespective of ancestry. Children of East Asian ancestry born in Australia have a higher burden of most allergic diseases in the first 6 years of life, whereas asthma may follow a different pattern. IgE-mediated food allergy and eczema at age 1 increase the risk of asthma and allergic rhinitis irrespective of ancestry.

ALLERGIC RHINITIS IN PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN LIVING IN URBAN SETTINGS OF THE ALTAI REGION: A POPULATION-BASED CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY

Background.It is necessary to study the prevalence and risk factors of allergic rhinitis (AR) among pre-school children in order to develop a disease prevention strategy.Objective.Our aim was to study the prevalence, clinical and allergological features, and risk factors for AR in pre-school children living in urban settings of the Altai Region.Methods.At the screening stage, the study enrolled children aged 3–6 years attending pre-school educational institutions in 5 cities of the Altai Region. AR symptoms were determined using the ISAAC questionnaire. The AR was diagnosed if ≥ 2 symptoms (rhinorrhea, nasal breathing difficulty, itching in the nasal cavity, repetitive sneezing) lasted ≥ 1 h with a positive prick test and/or a blood level of specific IgE &gt; 0.35 kU/L to at least one allergen (total 11).Results.The prevalence of AR in urban children aged 3–6 years (n = 3,205) was 10.6%; 48% of them were previously diagnosed with AR. 85% of children had a persistent course of the disease; 69% had mild AR. Most often, there was established sensitization to house dust mites (61.6%), birch pollen (40.9%), and cat fur (19.4%). The risk factors for AR were family history of allergies [odds ratio (OR) 4.2; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.5–5.9], masculine (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.9–4.0), smoking parents (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.9), nonadherence to a regimen/dosage of vitamin D3 intake in infancy (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.8), presence of asthma-like symptoms (OR 10.2, 95% CI 7.2–14.5), and manifestations of atopic dermatitis (OR 6.0, 95% CI 4.2–8.5).Conclusion.AR occurs in every tenth pre-school child (mainly of mild severity and persistent course), every second disease among them was diagnosed for the first time. Sensitization occurs to typical for childhood allergens. The risk factors for AR are family history of allergies, masculine, passive smoking, ignoring the recommendations of taking vitamin D3 in infancy, the presence of atopic dermatitis, and asthma-like symptoms.

Eating fish and farm life reduce allergic rhinitis at the age of twelve.

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has increased, but the cause of this rise is partly unknown. Our aim was to analyse the prevalence, risk factors, and protective factors for allergic rhinitis in 12-year-old Swedish children. Data were collected from a prospective, longitudinal cohort study of children born in western Sweden in 2003. The parents answered questionnaires when the children were 6months to 12years. The response rate at 12years was 76% (3637/4777) of the questionnaires distributed. At the age of 12, 22% of children had allergic rhinitis and 57% were boys. Mean age at onset was 7.8years, and 55% reported their first symptoms after 8years. The most common trigger factors were pollen (85%), furry animals (34%), and house dust mites (17%). A multivariate analysis showed that the adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for the independent risk factors for allergic rhinitis at 12 were as follows: parental allergic rhinitis (2.32, 1.94-2.77), doctor-diagnosed food allergy in the first year (1.75, 1.21-2.52), eczema in the first year (1.61, 1.31-1.97), and male gender (1.25, 1.06-1.47). Eating fish once a month or more at age of 12months reduced the risk of allergic rhinitis at 12years of age (0.70, 0.50-0.98) as did living on a farm with farm animals at 4years (0.51, 0.32-0.84). Continuous farm living from age 4 to 12 seemed to drive the association. Allergic rhinitis affected > 20% of 12-year-olds, but was lower in children who ate fish at 12months or grew up on a farm with farm animals.

Allergic rhinitis: the modern aspects of therapy

The main objectives of the present article were to systematize the modern views of the causes and risk factors of allergic rhinitis, to clarify the manner of its development, to define the leading etiological mechanism underling the pathogenesis of this condition, to consider the methods used for the diagnostics and the treatment of this disease, and to sum up the clinical experience with the use of Levocetirizine (Allerwey) for the management of allergic rhinitis. Special attention is given to the achievement and the maintenance of control of the persistent or intermittent forms of allergic rhinitis and to approaches to its treatment based on the medications registered in the Russian Federation.

Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergic Rhinitis in Primary School Students of Isfahan, Iran.

Background:Allergic rhinitis (AR) is one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Different studies have indicated an increasing prevalence of AR worldwide. The most common complaints of the patients are itching, tearing eyes, and rhinorrhea. The present study aims to assess the prevalence and risk factors of AR among 6–7-year-old children of Isfahan Province, Iran.Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional study conducted on 973 67-year-old primary school students of Isfahan Province in 2016. The study was conducted based on the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood questionnaire.Results:This study was conducted on 322 (33.1%) 6-year-old and 651 (66.9%) 7-year-old students. A total of 563 (57.9%) and 410 (42.1%) students were male and female, respectively. AR was diagnosed in 397 (40.8%) cases that 190 (47.8%) and 130 (32.7%) showed seasonal and permanent AR, respectively. A percentage of 44.7% of 6-year-old and 38.9% of 7-year-old (P = 0.04) students, 42.1% of males and 39% of females (P = 0.336), had AR; however, the percentages were not significant (P = 0.005). Exposure to smoking, plants, and domestic association with AR was not significant (P = 0.317, P = 0.863, and P = 0.253, respectively), but infancy breastfeeding association was significant (P = 0.015). Residence in the second area of Isfahan city was accompanied by higher prevalence of AR (P = 0.006).Conclusion:The prevalence of AR was considerably higher in Isfahan as one of the largest cities of Iran. It was significantly associated with age, infancy milk feeding, and area of residence but not with sex, smoking, plant, and domestic exposure.