Allergic rhinitis and non-allergic rhinitis in children in the tropics: prevalence and risk associations.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The age-related comparative prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) in children is poorly defined. We aimed to characterize AR and NAR in children.

METHODS:

This study enrolled children with chronic rhinitis who presented to a tertiary paediatric center for a diagnostic skin prick test (SPT). Parents completed a medical history questionnaire for their child, including disease activity for asthma and rhinitis. Sociodemographic data was obtained and all participants underwent a common inhalant SPT panel. A positive SPT indicated AR.

RESULTS:

From March 2001 to March 2009, 6,660 children (64% male) were enrolled (aged 6 months to 19 years, mean 7.82 years). Only 3.7% (249) of the children were <2 years old, and almost 30% of these had AR. Most children with AR (73%) presented after age 6. Males were more likely to have AR (vs. NAR) (OR 1.5; CI 1.39-1.77). Antihistamine and salbutamol use did not differ between children with AR and NAR. Children with AR were more likely to require adjunct therapy with inhaled corticosteroids (51.2% vs. 43.2%, P < 0.001), have drug hypersensitivity (especially antipyretic drugs) (2.5% vs. 1.3%, P = 0.384) or an asthma admission (9.1% vs. 6.0%, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS:

AR is more common in male children, is relatively rare below the age of 2 years, and accounts for two-thirds of all childhood chronic rhinitis and 73.3% of all chronic rhinitis in school-aged children (≥6 years old). Children with AR have more severe rhinitis symptoms and more often suffer from asthma-related events and admissions.

• Authors: Wen Chin Chiang, Yu Ming Chen, Henry K K Tan, Abhilash Balakrishnan, Woei Kang Liew, Hwee Hoon Lim, Si Hui Goh, Wen Yin Loh, Petrina Wong, Oon Hoe Teoh, Anne Goh, Oh Moh Chay
• Journal: Pediatric pulmonology (Pediatr Pulmonol) Vol. 47 Issue 10 Pg. 1026-33 (Oct 2012) ISSN: 1099-0496 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22628118 (Publication Type: Journal Article)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Chemical References

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones
• Anti-Allergic Agents
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents
• Histamine Antagonists
• Albuterol

Topics

• Adrenal Cortex Hormones (therapeutic use)
• Albuterol (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Allergic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Anti-Asthmatic Agents (therapeutic use)
• Asthma (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Female
• Histamine Antagonists (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Prevalence
• Rhinitis, Allergic
• Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Rhinitis, Vasomotor (diagnosis, drug therapy, epidemiology)
• Risk
• Severity of Illness Index
• Sex Factors
• Singapore (epidemiology)
• Skin Tests
• Surveys and Questionnaires