Prevalence and factors linked to allergic rhinitis in 10 and 11-year-old children in Almería. Isaac Phase II, Spain.
BACKGROUND
Allergic rhinitis affects 10-30% of children in developed countries and has increased in frequency over the last few decades, probably due to changes in the environment and life style.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the prevalence, severity, and factors linked to rhinitis in 10 and 11-year-old children from Almeria (Spain).


METHODS
As part of ISAAC II, a cross-sectional survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1143 schoolchildren in spring and autumn of 2001, using homologated questionnaires and skin-prick testing.


RESULTS
The overall prevalence of rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis were 38.9% and 24.8%, respectively, 17.9% had medically diagnosed rhinitis. During the previous year symptoms disturbed daily activities and school attendance in some measure in 40% and 26% of children with rhinitis, respectively. The risk factors found in the multiple logistic regression analysis were atopy (OR 2.57; 95% CI 1.92-3.42); cat contact at home during first year of life (OR 2.4 95% CI 1.13-5.12); prior medical diagnosis of asthma (OR 2.2; 95% CI 1.22-4.02); nocturnal cough in absence of colds (OR 1.9; 95% CI 1.25-2.97); diagnosis of rhinitis in one of the parents (OR 1.8; 95% CI 1.31-2.59); wheezing at any time (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.18-2.28); and nursery school attendance (OR 1.5; 95% CI 1.21-2.5).


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of rhinitis found is superior to that of other centres participating in the ISAAC Phases I and II, and coexists with asthma and eczema in many children. The independent risk factors associated to rhinitis are in accordance with previous reports.
Batlles-Garrido
J
J
Paediatric Pulmonology and Allergy Unit, Service of Paediatrics, Hospital Torrecárdenas, Almería, Spain. batllesgarrido@hotmail.com
Torres-Borrego
J
J
Rubí-Ruiz
T
T
Bonillo-Perales
A
A
González-Jiménez
Y
Y
Momblán-De Cabo
J
J
Aguirre-Rodríguez
J
J
Losillas-Maldonado
A
A
Torres-Daza
M
M
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000818:Animals; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002415:Cats; D002648:Child; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012882:Skin Tests; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires