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Published on: August 7, 2017
The risk of sinusitis in children with allergic rhinitis
1Department of Pediatrics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610, USA.
Allergy and Asthma Proceedings
|May 3, 2000
Summary
Children with perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) have a higher risk of developing bacterial sinusitis compared to those with seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR). Mold allergy significantly increases this risk, suggesting targeted management can reduce sinusitis incidence.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
- Otolaryngology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Bacterial sinusitis is frequently observed in individuals with allergic rhinitis, though the precise correlation remains under investigation.
- Allergic rhinitis, encompassing perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR), affects a significant pediatric population.
- Understanding the interplay between allergic rhinitis subtypes and sinusitis prevalence is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the correlation between perennial allergic rhinitis (PAR) and seasonal allergic rhinitis (SAR) and the prevalence of bacterial sinusitis in children.
- To determine if factors such as age, season, and specific allergen sensitivities influence the risk of sinusitis in children with allergic rhinitis.
Main Methods:
- A longitudinal study was conducted over five years involving 413 children diagnosed with allergic rhinitis.
- Children were categorized into two groups: 215 with PAR and 198 with SAR.
- Prevalence of sinusitis was compared between PAR and SAR groups, analyzing the impact of age, season, and airborne allergen sensitivity, particularly mold allergy.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of sinusitis was significantly higher in children with PAR compared to those with SAR, irrespective of age or season.
- Children with PAR and a mold allergy exhibited a substantially elevated risk of sinusitis (relative risk 2.49) compared to those with PAR without mold allergy (relative risk 1.50).
Conclusions:
- Perennial allergic rhinitis is a significant risk factor for developing bacterial sinusitis in children.
- Mold allergy emerges as a critical contributing factor to sinusitis development in pediatric patients with allergic rhinitis.
- Effective management strategies targeting mold allergy may play a key role in reducing the incidence of sinusitis in susceptible children.
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