The Role of Environmental Risk Factors on the Development of Childhood Allergic Rhinitis

Abstract

Environmental factors play an important role in the development and exacerbation of allergic rhinitis (AR) in childhood. Indoor air pollution, such as house dust mites and secondhand smoke, can significantly increase the onset of AR, while pet dander may affect the exacerbation of AR symptoms in children. Furthermore, traffic related air pollution and pollen are outdoor air pollutants that can affect immune competency and airway responsiveness, increasing the risk of AR in children. Climate change has increased AR in children, as growth patterns of allergenic species have changed, resulting in longer pollen seasons. More extreme and frequent weather events also contribute to the deterioration of indoor air quality due to climate change. Additionally, viruses provoke respiratory tract infections, worsening the symptoms of AR, while viral infections alter the immune system. Although viruses and pollution influence development and exacerbation of AR, a variety of treatment and prevention options are available for AR patients. The protective influence of vegetation (greenness) is heavily associated with air pollution mitigation, relieving AR exacerbations, while the use of air filters can reduce allergic triggers. Oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are common pharmacotherapy for AR symptoms. In this review, we discuss the environmental risk factors for AR and summarize treatment strategies for preventing and managing AR in children.

Aberrant expression of long non‐coding RNA PVT1 in allergic rhinitis children: Correlation with disease risk, symptoms, and Th1/Th2 imbalance

“…AR is a common pediatric allergic disease, whose occurrence is due to the non‐infectious inflammation in nasal mucosa after exposure to allergens (including dust mite and pollens) 3,27,28 . Remarkably, TH1/TH2 imbalance is closely related to the onset of AR 29 .…”

“…AR is a common pediatric allergic disease, whose occurrence is due to the non‐infectious inflammation in nasal mucosa after exposure to allergens (including dust mite and pollens). 3 , 27 , 28 Remarkably, TH1/TH2 imbalance is closely related to the onset of AR. 29 Besides, one previous study highlights that lnc‐PVT1 facilitates Th1/Th2 imbalance in asthma via activating phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)‐protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway.…”

Association between IL1RL1 gene polymorphisms and allergic rhinitis risk in the Chinese Han population

“…Although AR does not cause death, its clinical symptoms can have serious effects on patients' daily activities (e.g., sleep habits, cognitive function, work, etc.) and overall quality of life 3–5 . AR is usually accompanied by asthma, atopic disease, sinusitis, conjunctivitis and otitis media, thus complicating the treatment and management of patients 6 .…”

“…and overall quality of life. 3 , 4 , 5 AR is usually accompanied by asthma, atopic disease, sinusitis, conjunctivitis and otitis media, thus complicating the treatment and management of patients. 6 Modern researches have revealed that the pathogenesis of AR is affected by multiple factors, including genetic, environmental and epigenetic factors.…”

Dynamic Changes in Ethiological Structure of Pollen Sensitization in Children With Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis

“…Genetic predisposition, hyperactivity of the nasal mucosa, passive and active smoking, inhalation of pollutants (irritating chemicals) and nasal anatomical disturbances act at contributors to the development of this disease. Moreover, the current climatic and geographical conditions have a great impact on regional plant pollen characteristics both in Ukraine and neighbouring countries [3].…”