INCIDENCE OF ALLERGIC RHINITIS AND RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS IN FIRST GRADE SCHOOL CHILDREN IN GEORGIA

The aim of the study was assessment of incidence of allergic rhinitis and respiratory infections and evaluation of quality of life of first grade school age children with allergic rhinitis. The cross sectional study in randomly selected regions and schools was conducted using specially developed parent questionnaire and mini rhino conjunctivitis quality of life questionnaire (MiniRQLQ). On the first was used special questionnaire, and on the second phase MiniRQLQ was used in cases with allergic rhinitis. Total of 1530 parent of 6-8 years children were interviewed, 1499 first phase questionnaires and 174MiniRQLQ were analyzed by SPSS 19 program. From 1499 children 799 (53.3%) were girls and 700 (46.7%) - boys. The 810 (54%) live in urban, 524 (35%) in rural area and 165 (11%) in high mountains. The study revealed that 2.3% of children have respiratory infections 7-8 times per year, 19.9% 3-5 times, 53.4% 1-2 times and 24.2% became ill very rarely. There was statistically significant difference between the frequency of respiratory infection in rural and urban area (p<0,001).The frequency of chronic diseases reported by parents is 18.3% (n=274), from those 201 (73.3%) are allergic disorders (asthma, rhinitis, atopic dermatitis), that is 13.4% of total respondents. The incidence of allergic rhinitis was 11.6%, most frequent symptom was rhinorrhea 168 (11.2%), recurrent sneezing episodes during last year was seen in 153 (10.2%), nasal pruritus was reported in 137 (9.1%), nasal obstruction in 117 (7.8%). The eye symptoms were reported in 62 (4.2%). The symptoms of allergic rhinitis is significantly higher in urban population then in rural area (P<0.02), as well as in boys (P<0.05). The 109 (62.6%) of respondents answer that symptoms and mostly nasal obstruction affected their quality of life, especially on recreational activities and sleep. In 91 (52.9%) patients with already diagnosed allergic rhinitis treatment was prescribed according international guidelines. In group with symptoms but non-diagnosed allergic rhinitis frequently was used I generation antihistamines 52 (62.6%) and decongestants 57 (68.5%). Incidence of allergic rhinitis in first grade school population is high and it is comparable to indices of developed countries. Allergic rhinitis affects quality of life of children especially outdoor activities and sleep. ARI does not show an impact on severity of allergic rhinitis symptoms.