BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, which causes considerable morbidity. South African data are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe allergic rhinitis in atopic children in inland South Africa. METHODS: An observational, descriptive study of rhinitis occurring in 771 new patients seen consecutively by a single observer at a referral pediatric allergy clinic (Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein) over an 8 1/2-year period (August 1984 to March 1993) was carried out. A detailed questionnaire was used to record clinical data. Chest and sinus x-rays, skin prick testing, and radioallergosorbent test were performed, and serum immunoglobulin E levels were determined. Response to drug treatment regimens was recorded at subsequent followup visits. RESULTS: Significant rhinitis was reported in 78.1% of patients, and mild intermittent rhinitis was reported in 21.4%. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Median age at onset of rhinitis symptoms was 6 months (range 0 months to 12 years), with 30.1% experiencing symptoms from birth. Rhinitis was chronic in 61.3%, although 53.5% reported seasonal variation. More children with rhinitis were born in midsummer than during other seasons, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.46). Breast-feeding had no protective effect, and parental smoking and household pets were not found to be risk factors. Family history was positive for allergic rhinitis in 88% of patients. Exposure to dust, weather changes, strong odors, pets, pollens, and tobacco smoke were the most common trigger factors. Sinus x-ray findings associated poorly with clinical findings. The most common allergens identified were grass pollen, tree pollen, and cat. Oral antihistamines provided good symptomatic relief in 62.9% of patients who used them. Intranasal corticosteroids provided good relief in 78.0% of those who used them, and ketotifen provided relief in 54.4% of those who used it. CONCLUSIONS: Rhinitis is a common manifestation of allergy in the population studied. Onset occurs early in childhood. A family history of allergy is a risk factor for the development of the condition, and grass pollen is the most common allergen involved. Special investigations are of limited value. Appropriate treatment is very effective.
BACKGROUND:Allergic rhinitis is a common condition, which causes considerable morbidity. South African data are scarce. OBJECTIVE: We sought to describe allergic rhinitis in atopic children in inland South Africa. METHODS: An observational, descriptive study of rhinitis occurring in 771 new patients seen consecutively by a single observer at a referral pediatric allergy clinic (Universitas Hospital, Bloemfontein) over an 8 1/2-year period (August 1984 to March 1993) was carried out. A detailed questionnaire was used to record clinical data. Chest and sinus x-rays, skin prick testing, and radioallergosorbent test were performed, and serum immunoglobulin E levels were determined. Response to drug treatment regimens was recorded at subsequent followup visits. RESULTS: Significant rhinitis was reported in 78.1% of patients, and mild intermittent rhinitis was reported in 21.4%. Male to female ratio was 1.6:1. Median age at onset of rhinitis symptoms was 6 months (range 0 months to 12 years), with 30.1% experiencing symptoms from birth. Rhinitis was chronic in 61.3%, although 53.5% reported seasonal variation. More children with rhinitis were born in midsummer than during other seasons, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.46). Breast-feeding had no protective effect, and parental smoking and household pets were not found to be risk factors. Family history was positive for allergic rhinitis in 88% of patients. Exposure to dust, weather changes, strong odors, pets, pollens, and tobacco smoke were the most common trigger factors. Sinus x-ray findings associated poorly with clinical findings. The most common allergens identified were grass pollen, tree pollen, and cat. Oral antihistamines provided good symptomatic relief in 62.9% of patients who used them. Intranasal corticosteroids provided good relief in 78.0% of those who used them, and ketotifen provided relief in 54.4% of those who used it. CONCLUSIONS:Rhinitis is a common manifestation of allergy in the population studied. Onset occurs early in childhood. A family history of allergy is a risk factor for the development of the condition, and grass pollen is the most common allergen involved. Special investigations are of limited value. Appropriate treatment is very effective.
Authors: Jocelyn M Biagini; Grace K LeMasters; Patrick H Ryan; Linda Levin; Tiina Reponen; David I Bernstein; Manuel Villareal; Gurjit K Khurana Hershey; Jeffrey Burkle; James Lockey Journal: Pediatr Allergy Immunol Date: 2006-06 Impact factor: 6.377
Authors: Oliver Brandt; Benjamin Wegenstein; Ivan Müller; Danielle Smith; Siphesihle Nqweniso; Larissa Adams; Simon Müller; Rosa du Randt; Uwe Pühse; Markus Gerber; Alexander A Navarini; Jürg Utzinger; Niklaus D Labhardt; Christian Schindler; Cheryl Walter Journal: Clin Exp Allergy Date: 2022-03-02 Impact factor: 5.401