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Characteristics of Ear, Nose, and Throat Comorbidities among Children with Allergic Rhinitis
Siwanut Rattanaphibunsiri1, Orathai Jirapongsananuruk2, Kitirat Ungkanont1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand.
Insights
Tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) is the most common ear, nose, and throat (ENT) comorbidity in children with allergic rhinitis (AR), particularly in those with moderate-to-severe persistent AR. House dust mites were the most frequent allergen.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
- Allergy and Immunology
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Background:
- Children with allergic rhinitis (AR) face risks of developing comorbidities due to chronic inflammation.
- Early detection and management of these conditions are crucial for better health outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders in children with AR.
- To investigate associations between AR severity and ENT comorbidities like adenoid hypertrophy (AH), tonsillar hypertrophy (TH), otitis media with effusion (OME), and rhinosinusitis (RS).
- To identify potential risk factors for these comorbidities.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 100 children aged 2-14 years diagnosed with AR.
- Participants underwent clinical evaluations including history, physical examination, and lateral skull X-rays by a pediatric otorhinolaryngologist.
Main Results:
- Tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) was significantly more prevalent in children with moderate-to-severe persistent AR (54.5%) compared to mild intermittent AR (17.2%).
- Adenoid hypertrophy (AH) was most common in mild intermittent AR (51.7%).
- Overall prevalence: TH (41%), AH (39%), OME (8%), RS (1%). OME was more frequent in suburban children.
- House dust mite (Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus) was the predominant aeroallergen (89%).
Conclusions:
- Tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) is the primary ENT comorbidity in children with allergic rhinitis (AR), with its incidence linked to AR severity.
- House dust mite allergy is highly prevalent among these patients.
- The study underscores the significant association between AR and ENT comorbidities, emphasizing the need for integrated management approaches.
Introduction:
Children with allergic rhinitis (AR) may develop comorbidities due to chronic inflammation affecting other systems. Surveillance, early detection, and prompt treatment are essential in managing these conditions.
Objectives:
To investigate the prevalence and associated characteristics of ear, nose, and throat (ENT) disorders, particularly adenoid hypertrophy (AH), tonsillar hypertrophy (TH), otitis media with effusion (OME), and rhinosinusitis (RS) in children with AR. Also, to assess potential risk factors associated with these comorbidities.
Methods:
A total of 100 children aged 2 to 14 years with AR were enrolled. All patients underwent history taking, physical examination, and lateral skull X-ray processes by a pediatric otorhinolaryngologist.
Results:
There was a significantly higher incidence of TH in patients with moderate-to-severe persistent AR (54.5%) compared with those with mild intermittent AR (17.2%; p = 0.006). Furthermore, AH was observed in 51.7% of children with mild intermittent AR, significantly more than in other severity groups ( p = 0.037). The prevalence of TH, AH, OME, and RS was 41, 39, 8, and 1%, respectively. Additionally, OME was more common in suburban residents (14.3%) than in urban dwellers (2%; p = 0.029). The most common aeroallergen was the house dust mite Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (89%).
Conclusion:
The most common ENT comorbidity in AR children is TH, being related substantially to the level of severity. The most prevalent aeroallergen was found to be house dust mite. The pattern of association between AR and ENT comorbidities highlights the essence of our research findings.
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