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.
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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)
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Copyright | Copyright © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. |
Chemical References |
- Adrenal Cortex Hormones
- Anti-Allergic Agents
- Anti-Asthmatic Agents
- Histamine Antagonists
- Albuterol
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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
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