Prevalence and classification of rhinitis in preschool children in Portugal: a nationwide study

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2013

Authors

Morais Almeida, M (Author) Other; Santos, N (Author) Other; Pereira, AM (Author) FMUP; Branco Ferreira, M (Author) Other; Nunes, C (Author) Other; Bousquet, J (Author) Other; Fonseca, J (Author) FMUP

Journal

Title: Allergy: European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology

Vol. 68

Pages: 1278-1288

ISSN: 0105-4538

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 35 Citations

Scopus - 46 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-FC6

DOI: 10.1111/all.12221

Abstract (EN): BackgroundInformation on rhinitis epidemiology in preschool children is scarce. ObjectivesTo estimate, in children with 3-5years of age, current rhinitis prevalence, to describe rhinitis symptoms and associated sociodemographic characteristics, and to report allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma (ARIA) classification. MethodsCross-sectional, nationwide, population-based study including children aged 3-5years. A multistep selection strategy was used to obtain a representative sample. Data were collected at kindergartens and parish centers by face-to-face interview to caregivers, using an adapted ISAAC questionnaire. Current rhinitis' (CR) was defined as the presence of 1 rhinitis symptom (repeated sneezing and/or itchy nose, blocked nose for >1h, or runny nose without having a cold/flu) in the last year. Rhinitis lasting 4days/week and 4 consecutive weeks was classified as persistent. Moderate-severe disease interfered a moderate amount' or a lot' in daily activities. ResultsFive thousand and eighteen children were included. CR prevalence was 43.4% [95% CI (42.0-44.8%); n=2179] and that of physician-diagnosed rhinitis was 11.7% [95% CI (10.8-12.6%); n=588]. Of children with CR, 67% reported blocked nose, 48% rhinorrhea, and 46% sneezing/itchy nose. Considering ARIA classification, 30% of the population had mild intermittent, 3% mild persistent, 7% moderate-severe intermittent, and 3% moderate-severe persistent rhinitis. Children with CR had more current wheezing, physician-diagnosed asthma, self-reported food allergy, and family history of allergic disease. These characteristics were also associated with persistent and moderate-severe rhinitis. ConclusionsThis is the first nationwide population-based study reporting rhinitis prevalence and ARIA classification in preschool children. In this age-group, rhinitis is frequent and underdiagnosed. About 25% children with rhinitis presented moderate-severe disease.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 11