The onset of allergic rhinitis in Japanese atopic children: a preliminary prospective study.

CONCLUSION

This preliminary prospective study suggests that background factors may differ among allergic diseases. The beneficial interventions for reducing development of allergic rhinitis (AR) are also effective for the prevention of subsequent onset of bronchial asthma (BA).

OBJECTIVE

To determine the risk factors associated with onset of AR in atopic children in a prospective study.

METHODS

All patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) or food allergy with or without BA who visited the Pediatric Unit of Chiba University Hospital from 2005 to 2006 were enrolled in the study and received allergy examinations every 3-6 months.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were followed up for more than 2 years. Among the 60 patients without BA at entry to the study, 12 developed BA during the follow-up period. Development of AR preceded BA in 10 of the 12 patients (83.3%). In the background factors at the entry, positive sensitization to house dust mite (HDM) was significantly related to development of BA. Among the 48 patients without AR, 20 developed AR. High titers of serum HDM-specific IgE and high eosinophil counts in blood, and detection of eosinophils in nasal smears at the entry were significantly related to development of AR.