Allergic rhinitis, microbiota and passive smoke in children: A pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Allergy and Immunology
• Environmental Health
• Microbiome Research

Background:

• Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a prevalent condition in children.
• Passive smoke exposure (PSE) exacerbates nasal obstruction and inflammation in AR.
• PSE disrupts the upper respiratory tract's bacterial balance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of PSE and serum cotinine levels on nasal obstruction in children with AR.
• To analyze the influence of PSE on the nasal microbiome composition in pediatric AR patients.

Main Methods:

• Fifty children (6-16 years) with grass pollen-allergic rhinitis were enrolled.
• Methods included skin prick tests, nasal swabs for microbiome analysis, active anterior rhinomanometry (AAR), spirometry, and serum cotinine assessment for PSE.
• Nasal airflow was measured before and after decongestion.

Main Results:

• Children exposed to passive smoke (higher cotinine) showed significantly reduced nasal airflow (mNF%) compared to non-exposed children.
• Passive smoke exposure was associated with decreased nasal microbiome biodiversity and altered composition.
• Specific bacterial taxa abundance correlated with cotinine levels and nasal airflow.

Conclusions:

• Passive smoke exposure, indicated by positive serum cotinine, is a risk factor for nasal obstruction and microbial dysbiosis in children with AR.
• These findings suggest a role for PSE in the pathophysiology of pediatric allergic rhinitis.
• Understanding these links can inform targeted interventions for children with AR.