The burden of rhinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis in adolescents

Purpose: Rhinitis (R) and conjuctivitis (C) are common diseases worldwide, and their association is frequent. Nevertheless, the risk factors for rhinoconjunctivitis (RC) are not well described and the impact of C on R and asthma remains unknown in children. This study was aimed at recognizing the different risk factors and evaluating the burden of RC among adolescents. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on a random sample of schoolchildren, aged 10-17 years, by means of skin prick tests and self-administered questionnaire on respiratory health also investigating the impact of R and RC on daily activities. Results: A complete evaluation was obtained in 2,150 children. Prevalence of R was 18.2% by alone and 20.5% when associated with C. Rhinoconjunctivitis was more frequently associated with female gender, parental history for atopy, domestic exposure to mould/dampness, passive smoke exposure, and reported truck traffic in the street of residence. Moreover, RC was associated with a higher level of allergic sensitization. Prevalence of current asthma (CA) was 1.7% in subjects without R or RC, 5.1% in R, and 10.7% in RC. In a logistic model RC yielded a twofold risk for CA with respect to R. Subjects with RC had poorer quality of life: there was an impact on daily activities in 4.6% of R and 10.7% of RC. Conclusions: Ocular symptoms enhance the role of rhinitis as risk factor for asthma and its impact on daily activities in children.