The Asthma Risk Is Increased in Children with Severe Allergic Rhinitis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to evaluate the allergic rhinitis severity, to identify risk fac- tors associated with asthma, and to determine the frequency of comorbid conditions in allergic rhinitis patients with positive skin prick test.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Clinical characteristics of pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis were investigated. The frequency of comorbidities and risk factors for asthma development were investigated.

RESULTS

A total of 120 patients with a mean age of 13.05 ± 3.20 years were included in the study. Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus was the most common source of allergic sensitization (n = 78, 61.0%), whereas mild-persistent disease was the most common type of allergic rhini- tis severity (n = 44, 36.6%). Sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinea, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Alternaria was more common in patients with a moderate-severe course of allergic rhinitis than in the mild group (P = .006, P = .008, and P = .005, respectively). The most frequent comorbidity in children with allergic rhinitis was allergic conjunctivitis (71.7%). The inci- dence of asthma in those with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis was found to be significantly higher compared to those with mild disease severity (P = .009). Also, the multivariate analysis disclosed moderate-severe allergic rhinitis severity and persistent allergic rhinitis symptoms (OR: 3.822; 95% CI: 1.587-9.200; P =0.003 and OR: 0.333; 95% CI: 0.150-0.737; P =.007, respec- tively) as risk factors for asthma development.

CONCLUSION

Sensitization to Dermatophagoides farinea, Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus, and Alternaria was more frequent in patients with moderate-severe allergic rhinitis course. Also, having moderate-severe allergic rhinitis severity and persistent allergic rhinitis symptoms are associated with the development of asthma. Awareness of the risk factors could prevent the progression and complications of allergic rhinitis in children.