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. 2018 Nov 21:14:77.
doi: 10.1186/s13223-018-0299-9. eCollection 2018.

Prevalence of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in a rural area of northern China based on sensitization to specific aeroallergens

Yanran Huang  1 , Yuan Zhang #  1   2   3 , Luo Zhang #  1   2   3
Affiliations

Prevalence of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in a rural area of northern China based on sensitization to specific aeroallergens

Yanran Huang et al. Allergy Asthma Clin Immunol. .

Abstract

Background: Most epidemiologic studies reporting prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) and nonallergic rhinitis (NAR) have assessed solely self-reported prevalence, without confirmation by objective measures. Furthermore, reports of prevalence of NAR in Chinese subjects are scarce. Thus, we aimed to explore the prevalence and risk factors of AR and NAR in a Chinese, based on both clinical manifestation and allergic status.

Methods: We conducted a population-based cross-sectional survey, involving 1084 local residents from a rural area of Beijing, China. Participants were enrolled using a stratified two-stage cluster sampling method. All adult participants or the guardians of children completed standardized questionnaires to provide relevant demographic and clinical information. Skin prick tests were also performed to determine sensitization to specific aeroallergens. AR/NAR was classified according to Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma criteria.

Results: Prevalence of self-reported AR was 46.80%. Based on SPT results, the confirmed standardized prevalence of AR and NAR were 16.78% and 24.60%, respectively. Severity scores for nasal itching, sneezing, rhinorrhea and congestion were significantly higher in subjects with AR, than subjects with NAR (P < 0.05 for all). The three most common aeroallergens in self-reported AR group were Blattella germanica (16.6%), Dermatophagoides farinae (14.6%), and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (13.9%). Family history of AR and atopic dermatitis were significantly associated with AR (adjusted OR: 4.97 and 2.69, respectively), whereas family history of AR and asthma were significantly associated with NAR (adjusted OR: 3.53 and 2.45, respectively). Similarly, comorbid asthma, CRS, and atopic dermatitis were significant risk factors for both AR and NAR.

Conclusions: Combination of standardized questionnaires and specific allergen tests may provide more accurate estimates of prevalence of AR and NAR and associated risk factors.

Keywords: Allergic rhinitis; Atopic status; Epidemiologic study; Nonallergic rhinitis.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Flow diagram of the study. SPT, skin prick tests
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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