Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 27, 2026

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber
08:47

Symptom Assessment of Patients with Allergic Rhinitis Using an Allergen Exposure Chamber

Published on: March 3, 2023

The Burden of Early-Childhood Atopic Disease: Prevalence and Risk Factors for Allergic Rhinitis in an Informal

Velisha Thompson1, Joyce Shirinde2, Masilu D Masekameni1,3

  • 1Department of Environmental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg 2001, South Africa.

Children (Basel, Switzerland)
|June 26, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Environmental hazards like open sewerage significantly increase allergic rhinitis risk in young children in urban informal settlements. Addressing sanitation is crucial for pediatric respiratory health.

Area of Science:

  • Environmental Health
  • Pediatric Allergy
  • Urban Epidemiology

Background:

  • Allergic rhinitis (AR) prevalence and environmental factors in early childhood are under-researched in urban informal settlements.
  • This study focuses on Alexandra Township, Johannesburg, to address this knowledge gap.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of allergic rhinitis in children under five years old.
  • To identify environmental and clinical risk factors associated with AR in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 3265 children attending preschools.
  • Caregiver surveys collected demographic, clinical, and environmental data.
  • Multivariate logistic regression analyzed risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Allergic rhinitis prevalence was 37.3%.
  • Open sewerage exposure (AOR: 4.85) was the strongest risk factor, followed by prolonged residence (AOR: 2.74) and proximity to waterways (AOR: 1.89).
  • Asthma, eczema, paracetamol use, and walking to school were also associated with AR.

Conclusions:

  • Macro-environmental hazards in informal urban settings significantly contribute to allergic symptoms in children.
  • Infrastructural improvements, particularly safe sanitation and clean energy, are vital for pediatric respiratory health.
  • Multisectoral interventions are needed alongside clinical management.
Abstract

Keywords:
South Africaallergic rhinitisearly-onset atopic diseaseenvironmental exposuresenvironmental healthindoor air pollutioninformal settlementspreschool childrenrhinoconjunctivitis

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