Prevalence of rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and adults: a Global Asthma Network study

Abstract

Objective: To determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and associated factors in adolescents and in their parents/guardians. Methods: A cross-sectional study, applying a standardized and validated written questionnaire. Adolescents (13–14 years old; n=1,058) and their parents/guardians (mean age=42.1 years old; n=896) living in the city of Uruguaiana, southern Brazil, responded to the Global Asthma Network standard questionnaires. Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents was 28.0%, allergic rhinoconjunctivitis, 21.3%, and severe forms of allergic rhinitis, 7.8%. In the adults, the prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 31.7%. Some associated factors with allergic rhinitis in adolescents include low physical exercise (OR 2.16; 95%CI 1.15–4.05), having only one older sibling (OR 1.94; 95CI 1.01–3.72) and daily meat consumption (OR 7.43; 95% CI 1.53–36.11). In contrast, consuming sugar (OR 0.34; 95%CI 0.12–0.93) or olive oil (OR 0.33; 95%CI 0.13–0 .81) once or twice a week, and eating vegetables daily (OR 0.39; 95%CI 0.15–0.99) were considered factors negatively associated. In adults, exposure to fungi at home (OR 5.25; 95%CI 1.01–27.22) and consumption of meat once or twice a week (OR 46.45; 95CI 2.12–1020.71) were factors associated with the medical diagnosis of allergic rhinitis, while low education (OR 0.25; 95%CI 0.07–0.92) was found to be a factor negatively associated. Conclusions: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adolescents is high, as well as its medical diagnosis in adults living in Uruguaiana. Environmental factors, especially food habits, were associated with findings in both groups.

The Role of Diet and Nutrition in Allergic Diseases

“…A higher average income in Taiwan, as opposed to mainland China, could be a contributing factor. According to a recent survey in the city of Urugaiana, southern Brazil, the prevalence of AR was 31.7% in adults and 28% in adolescents [46]. Although not life-threatening, AR impairs the patient's quality of life, lowers work performance and sleep quality, and therefore can result in substantial economic costs [3].…”

“…CD4 + Th2 cells, B cells, mast cells, neutrophils, and macrophages are observed in the nasal lining infiltrate [47]. Many epidemiological and clinical studies supported the role of diet and nutrition in the etiology, prevention, and treatment of AR [6,46,[48][49][50][51].…”

“…Dietary factors not only affect the development of allergic diseases [5,6,46,50] but also influence disease course and severity [50,58]. Different dietary components are related to differential allergy outcomes.…”

“…Different dietary components are related to differential allergy outcomes. The intake of high energy, high saturated fat, high protein, and low fiber increases the risks of asthma and AR [6,46]. In contrast, high consumption of vegetables and fruits, olive oil, and fish, characteristic of a Mediterranean diet, has been linked with lower risks of asthma and AR [5,7,8,46,59].…”

“…The intake of high energy, high saturated fat, high protein, and low fiber increases the risks of asthma and AR [6,46]. In contrast, high consumption of vegetables and fruits, olive oil, and fish, characteristic of a Mediterranean diet, has been linked with lower risks of asthma and AR [5,7,8,46,59]. Recent evidence suggests that higher dietary fiber intake is associated with fewer asthma symptoms [58].…”