In:
Pediatric Pulmonology, Wiley, Vol. 47, No. 10 ( 2012-10), p. 1026-1033
Abstract:
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. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2012. 47:1026–1033. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
8755-6863
,
1099-0496
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2012
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1491904-7
