Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 16, 2025
A Component-resolved Diagnostic Approach for a Study on Grass Pollen Allergens in Chinese Southerners with Allergic Rhinitis and/or Asthma
Published on: June 4, 2017
Prevalence and risk factors associated with allergic rhinitis in Mexican school children: Global Asthma Network Phase
Roberto García-Almaraz1, Nayely Reyes-Noriega2, Blanca Estela Del-Río-Navarro2
1Hospital Infantil de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico.
Insights
Allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) are more prevalent in Mexican adolescents than children, particularly females. Key risk factors include wheezing, asthma, and eczema, with lower prevalence at higher altitudes.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Allergology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Global Asthma Network (GAN) continues ISAAC's research into allergic diseases.
- Significant variability in allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC) prevalence exists globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of AR and ARC in Mexican children and adolescents.
- To identify risk factors associated with AR and ARC in this population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional, multicentre survey (GAN Phase I) conducted in 14 Mexican cities (2016-2019).
- Validated Spanish GAN Phase I questionnaires administered to 35,780 children (6-7 years) and 41,399 adolescents (13-14 years).
Main Results:
- Higher AR prevalence in adolescents (26.2-37.5%) vs. children (17.9-24.9%), especially females.
- Higher ARC prevalence in female adolescents (15.1%).
- Significant risk factors: past 12-month wheezing, early-life wheezing, asthma diagnosis, eczema; inverse association with altitude.
Conclusions:
- Largest AR epidemiological study in Mexico to date.
- Demonstrates increased AR prevalence and identifies modifiable risk factors.
- Findings can inform public health recommendations to reduce AR burden.
Background:
The International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) showed a wide variability in prevalence and severity of allergic rhinitis (AR) and rhinoconjunctivitis (ARC), in addition to other atopic diseases (Asher et al, 2006).1 The Global Asthma Network (GAN) has continued to study these conditions.
Objective:
To estimate the prevalence of AR and ARC in children and adolescents in Mexico and to assess their association with different risk factors.
Methods:
GAN Phase I is a cross-sectional, multicentre survey carried out in 15 centres corresponding to 14 Mexican cities throughout 2016-2019 using the validated Spanish language version of the GAN Phase I questionnaires. The questionnaires were completed by 35 780 parents of 6-7 year old primary school pupils (children) and by 41 399 adolescents, 13-14 years old.
Results:
The current and cumulative prevalence of AR was higher in the adolescents (26.2-37.5%, respectively) in comparison to the children (17.9-24.9%, respectively), especially in female participants. This tendency was also observed in the current prevalence of ARC, where 15.1% of female adolescents reported nasal symptoms accompanied with itchy-watery eyes in the past year. The most important risk factors for AR and ARC were the presence of wheezing in the past 12 months, wheezing in the first year of life, the previous diagnosis of asthma and eczema symptoms. Furthermore, allergic symptoms had a negative tendency concerning altitude.
Conclusion:
This is the largest AR epidemiological study ever conducted in Mexico. It shows an increase in AR prevalence, as well as significant associations with modifiable risk factors, which could help to establish recommendations to reduce the burden of this condition.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Asthma-I: Introduction
01:26Asthma-II: Pathophysiology and Classification
Additionally, environmental and genetic factors play crucial roles in determining an individual's susceptibility to asthma and the severity of their condition.
Critical processes in asthma pathophysiology include:
01:20Asthma: Pathogenesis and Management
Asthma is classified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergens such as dust mites, pollen, and pet dander trigger allergic asthma, while factors like cold air, intense emotions, or exercise can induce non-allergic asthma.
01:24Asthma-III: Symptoms and Complications
Classification of Asthma
02:06Allergic Reactions
01:30Asthma-IV: Diagnostic and Management
Clinical Assessment for Asthma:
This is the first step in diagnosing and managing asthma. It includes: