title: Dietary habits and prevalence of allergic rhinitis in 6 to 7-year-old schoolchildren in Turkey.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and other allergies has risen worldwide. Dietary habits are considered to be among the potential risk factors. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and its relationship with dietary habits and other risk factors among 6 to 7-year-old Turkish schoolchildren.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this cross-sectional study, a total of 11483 children aged 6-7 years were surveyed. The prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis was assessed using the ISAAC protocol. Dietary information was collected using a food frequency questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of them, 9875 (50.7% M 49.3% F) questionnaires were appropriately completed. The prevalence rates of lifetime rhinitis, current rhinitis, current rhinoconjunctivitis and physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis, were 44.3%, 29.2%, 8.5% and 8.1%, respectively. Consumption of rice, and cereals ≥3 times per week showed protective effect on physician-diagnosed allergic rhinitis (aOR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.32-0.87 and aOR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.36-0.92). Eating pasta, and chocolates ≥3 times per week showed protective effect on current rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.25-0.79 and aOR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29-0.86). Eating lollipops, candies and animal fats ≥3 times per week was positively associated with current rhinoconjunctivitis (aOR = 1.47, 95% CI = 1.00-2.17 and aOR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.11-4.56). Protective effect of the Mediterranean diet was not significant.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Frequent consumption of cereals, rice, pasta and chocolates may have beneficial effect on symptoms of rhinoconjunctivitis. Although dietary habits may affect the prevalence of symptoms of current rhinoconjunctivitis, the Mediterranean diet alone may not be protective against rhinoconjunctivitis.
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul Medical Faculty, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Zeynep
authors: Z
authors: Tamay
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Liv Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Ahmet
authors: A
authors: Akcay
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Pamukkale Medical Faculty, Denizli, Turkey.
authors: Ahmet
authors: A
authors: Ergin
authors: Department of Pediatrics, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
authors: Nermin
authors: N
authors: Güler
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D016017:Odds Ratio; D015995:Prevalence; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014421:Turkey / Q000453:epidemiology