Analysis of the severity correlation between asthma and coexistent allergic rhinitis in children

Objective To observe the coexistence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in asthmatic children at different ages and to explore the correlation between the severity of asthma and AR. Methods This study was carried in asthmatic children aged 2-14 years.The questionnaire for asthma and AR was completed.All of the children underwent specific IgE (sIgE) to test common inhalant allergens.The classification and severity of asthma and AR were evaluated according to guidelines, respectively. Results Of 414 asthmatic children, 218 patients (52.7%) presented with AR.The proportion of asthmatic children with AR less than 6 years old (34.6%, 54/156 cases) was significantly lower than those aged 6-<12 years (62.4%, 123/197 cases) and 12-14 years (67.2%, 41/61 cases) (χ2=33.1, P<0.01). A positive correlation was found between the severity of asthma and AR in children aged 6-<12 years old(r=0.401, P=0.000) and 12-14 years old (r=0.516, P=0.001). However, there was no correlation between the severity of asthma and AR in children less than 6 years old(r=0.242, P=0.078). In 218 asthmatic children with AR, the positive rate of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Der.p) was the highest (65.6%, 143/218 cases), followed by Dermatophagoides farinae (Der.f) (64.7%, 141/218 cases), Blomia tropicalis (19.7%, 43/218 cases) and Blattella Germanica (14.7%, 32/218 cases). Conclusions The proportion of asthmatic children less than 6 years old suffering from AR is lower than the children more than 6 years old.There is a positive correlation between the severity of asthma and AR in children aged 6-14 years.Der.P and Der.f are the main inhalant allergens of asthmatic children with AR in Guangzhou area. Key words: Asthma; Allergic rhinitis; Child