title: Update of prevalence of self-reported allergic rhinitis and chronic nasal symptoms among adults in Sweden.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Allergic rhinitis (AR) is the most common immunologic disease, and it renders a considerable burden on both sufferers and society. The prevalence of AR has been increasing worldwide over the past century. The aim of this study was to assess the present prevalence, risk factor patterns and comorbidity of self-reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms in different age groups in Stockholm, Sweden.
  
  
  METHODS
  A postal questionnaire was sent on two occasions, in 2006 to a population aged 30-80 years, randomly selected 10 years previously, and in 2007 to a randomly selected sample of subjects aged 20-69 years. The response rates were 83% and 68%, respectively, and in total, 9792 subjects participated. The questionnaire included questions on self-reported AR, asthma, respiratory and nasal symptoms and possible determinants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The prevalence of self-reported AR was 28.0% (men 26.6%, women 29.1%, P < 0.01) similar to 10 years previously and 33.6% in ages 30-40 years. Allergic heredity [odds ratio (OR) 4.76, confidence interval (CI) 95% 4.25-5.33], physician-diagnosed asthma (OR 5.29, CI 95% 4.49-6.24) and occupational exposure to dust, gases and fumes (OR 1.49, CI 95% 1.30-1.72) were determinants for AR. Prevalence of chronic nasal congestion was 16.1% and of chronic rhinorrhea 14.1%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  As a basis for understanding the disease, as well as in planning and prioritizing health-care resources, the study provides information about the current prevalence and determinants of self-reported AR and chronic nasal symptoms. Further, comparing with previous studies, the present study suggests that a plateau in the prevalence of AR may have been reached in Sweden.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine/Krefting Research Centre, Institute of Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. jonas.eriksson@lungall.gu.se
authors.forename: Jonas
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Eriksson
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ekerljung
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rönmark
authors.forename: Barbro
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dahlén
authors.forename: Staffan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ahlstedt
authors.forename: Sven-Erik
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Dahlén
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lundbäck
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003371:Cough / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000453:epidemiology*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000453:epidemiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology; D055815:Young Adult