Allergic rhinitis children with obesity are more vulnerable to air pollution: a cross sectional study

Abstract

The association between air pollution, allergic rhinitis (AR), and obesity has not been studied. From 2007 to 2011, 52 obese and 152 non-obese children (7–17 years old) with AR were recruited. Pediatric-Rhinoconjunctivitis-Quality-of-Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) and nasal peak expiratory flow (NPEF) were tested. Association between the scores and rates of the two tests and mean air pollutant concentrations within 7 days before the tests were compared. When exposed to higher concentrations of CO, PM10, and PM2.5, the rates of worse nasal discomfort were 39.4%, 44.4% and 39.3% in obese children; and 18.0%, 21.9% and 19.7% in non-obese children, respectively. Compare to non-obese children, the rates in obese children were higher for CO (odds ratio (OR) 3.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.15 ~ 10.92); PM10 (OR 3.26, 95% CI 1.01 ~ 10.57) and PM2.5 (OR 3.30; 95% CI 1.03 ~ 10.54). In obese children, correlations between higher concentrations of CO, PM10, PM2.5 and higher nasal discomfort (higher PRQLQ); and correlations between higher concentrations of CO, PM10, PM2.5, NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbon) and higher nasal mucosa inflammation (lower NPEF) were noted. Obesity negatively affected AR severity when AR children experienced higher concentrations of CO, PM10, and PM2.5. Increased nasal inflammation induced by air pollutants might be the underlying mechanism.

Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing In Children

“…A nationwide study in the United States found that central obesity in children was associated with reduced odds of AR, regardless of gender [33]. Additionally, a study in Korea found that obesity in children with AR was associated with increased vulnerability to air pollution, leading to exacerbated AR symptoms [45]. The precise mechanisms linking obesity to worsened allergies and AR symptoms remain unclear.…”

Exploring the Complex Interplay of Obesity, Allergic Diseases, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Children

“…Obesity-induced increases in leptin levels may contribute to heightened inflammation and more severe symptoms through its interaction with interleukin-1 β (IL-1β) [56]. Obesity negatively influences the severity of AR when children with AR experience higher carbon monoxide (CO) and ambient particles ≤ 10 µm in diameter (PM 10 ) but not in non-obese children with AR [57]. Thus, obesity among children with AR was linked to heightened susceptibility to air pollution, resulting in worsened AR symptoms [57].…”

“…Obesity negatively influences the severity of AR when children with AR experience higher carbon monoxide (CO) and ambient particles ≤ 10 µm in diameter (PM 10 ) but not in non-obese children with AR [57]. Thus, obesity among children with AR was linked to heightened susceptibility to air pollution, resulting in worsened AR symptoms [57]. The specific mechanisms that connect obesity to the deterioration of allergies and AR symptoms remain uncertain.…”

Association of sinusitis with systemic and local adipose tissue in adults: a cross-sectional study

“…Obesity, considered a disease to some extent [4], is somehow characterized by the accumulation of excess body fat that may have adverse effects on health. Several studies have demonstrated obesity as a chronic in ammatory condition related to persistent systemic in ammation of the respiratory tract, such as asthma [5,6] and allergic rhinitis [7]. However, the effect of obesity in sinusitis remains controversial [8][9][10].…”