Allergic rhinitis in preschool children from Southern Brazil

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Allergology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Limited research exists on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in preschool children.
• Early-life onset of AR symptoms is increasingly recognized but requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence and clinical characteristics of allergic rhinitis symptoms in infants during their first year of life.
• To assess the treatment patterns for infants experiencing AR symptoms.
• To adapt and utilize existing instruments for early childhood allergy research.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 1,003 parents of infants.
• Utilized the Phase III EISL written questionnaire combined with modified ISAAC (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood) questions for AR.
• Collected data on nasal symptoms (sneezing, runny/blocked nose) unrelated to common colds or flu.

Main Results:

• 48.3% of infants experienced AR symptoms (sneezing, runny/blocked nose without cold/flu) in the first year of life.
• Recurrent wheezing (≥3 episodes) was observed in a quarter of infants, with higher frequency in those with AR symptoms.
• Physician-diagnosed AR and the use of intranasal steroids and antihistamines were more prevalent in infants with AR symptoms.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of allergic rhinitis symptoms is high and begins early in infancy.
• Early-life AR symptoms are associated with increased respiratory issues like wheezing.
• Findings highlight the need for early identification and management of AR in infants.