Liu Xin, Gao Na, Bai Cairong, Zuo Yali, Ma Mei, Zheng Zhenxing, Hao Wendong
Department of Allergy, Yulin Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Yulin, CHN.
Department of Medical Administration, Yulin City Health Commission, Yulin, CHN.
Cureus. 2025 Jul 6;17(7):e87384. doi: 10.7759/cureus.87384. eCollection 2025 Jul.
Background Allergic rhinitis (AR), a chronic inflammatory condition of the nasal mucosa mediated by immunoglobulin E (IgE) responses to environmental allergens, represents a significant and escalating global public health challenge. Yulin City ("China's Kuwait") borders the ecologically restored, -dominant Mu Us Desert. An estimated 27% of its population suffers from seasonal AR, yet local epidemiology remains uncharacterized. Objective To elucidate region-specific allergens and risk factors for AR in Yulin's unique semi-arid ecosystem. Methods In this prospective case-control study conducted across 15 municipal hospitals in Yulin, Northwest China, we recruited 300 patients with physician-diagnosed AR and 300 controls without AR from allergy and otolaryngology clinics between August 1, 2023, and July 31, 2024. Cases and controls were matched on age using individual matching (1:1 ratio) with a caliper of ±5 years. Control participants were systematically screened to exclude AR diagnosis through clinical evaluation and symptom assessment. All participants underwent questionnaire surveys and had peripheral venous blood drawn for complete blood count (CBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), and allergen-specific IgE testing. Results This study enrolled 300 AR patients (mean age: 38.17 years; 183 [61.0%] female) and 300 matched controls (mean age: 41.67 years; 194 [64.6%] female). Baseline characteristics, including gender, age, geographic residence, occupation, and prior antibiotic use, demonstrated significant intergroup differences (all <0.01 by chi-square/t-tests). Among AR patients, serum allergen-specific IgE testing identified three predominant allergens: Spreng (181 [60.3%]), common ragweed (70 [23.3%]), and pine (62 [20.7%]). Multivariate logistic regression analysis, adjusted for gender, age, residence, and occupation, revealed antibiotic exposure as an independent risk factor for AR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.22-2.37; <0.01). This association indicates a 70% increase in the odds of developing AR with antibiotic use. Conclusion The prevention and control of AR in Yulin should focus on managing Spreng allergens and antibiotic use. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing the allocation of regional health resources.
背景 过敏性鼻炎（AR）是一种由免疫球蛋白E（IgE）对环境过敏原产生反应介导的鼻黏膜慢性炎症性疾病，是一项重大且日益严峻的全球公共卫生挑战。榆林市（“中国的科威特”）毗邻生态得到恢复且以其为主的毛乌素沙漠。估计该市27%的人口患有季节性AR，但当地的流行病学特征仍未明确。目的 阐明榆林独特的半干旱生态系统中AR的区域特异性过敏原和危险因素。方法 在这项在中国西北部榆林市15家市级医院开展的前瞻性病例对照研究中，我们于2023年8月1日至2024年7月31日期间，从过敏和耳鼻喉科诊所招募了300例经医生诊断为AR的患者以及300例无AR的对照者。病例和对照者按年龄进行个体匹配（1:1比例），匹配范围为±5岁。通过临床评估和症状评估对对照参与者进行系统筛查以排除AR诊断。所有参与者均接受问卷调查，并采集外周静脉血进行全血细胞计数（CBC）、C反应蛋白（CRP）和过敏原特异性IgE检测。结果 本研究纳入了300例AR患者（平均年龄：38.17岁；183例[61.0%]为女性）和300例匹配的对照者（平均年龄：41.67岁；194例[64.6%]为女性）。包括性别、年龄、地理居住情况、职业和既往抗生素使用情况在内的基线特征显示组间存在显著差异（所有差异经卡方检验/t检验均<0.01）。在AR患者中，血清过敏原特异性IgE检测确定了三种主要过敏原：猪毛菜（181例[60.3%]）、普通豚草（70例[23.3%]）和松树（62例[20.7%]）。在对性别、年龄、居住情况和职业进行调整的多因素逻辑回归分析中，发现抗生素暴露是AR的独立危险因素（调整后的比值比[aOR]=1.70；95%置信区间[CI]：1.22 - 2.37；P<0.01）。这种关联表明使用抗生素后患AR的几率增加了70%。结论 榆林市AR的预防和控制应侧重于管理猪毛菜过敏原和抗生素的使用。这些发现为优化区域卫生资源配置提供了科学依据。
