Prevalence of rhinitis in Polish population according to the ECAP (Epidemiology of Allergic Disorders in Poland) study

SummaryThe prevalence of allergic disorders, especially allergic rhinitis (AR), has dramatically increased in the past few decades and multicentre, standardized, randomized epidemiological studies are required to quantify this phenomenon in Poland.AimThe aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence of rhinitis and allergic rhinitis in Poland.Material and MethodThe ECAP study was conducted using the ECRHS II and ISAAC questionnaires translated into the Polish language and validated, in selected nine regions of Poland, including eight cities and one rural area. The respondents within the regions were selected by means of multistage proportional stratified random sampling based on the identity number (PESEL) as the operat. The survey was conducted in 20 454 subjects (response rate of 41.9%) and 18 617 questionnaires were valid. Approximately 25% of the subjects (n = 4783) were subsequently evaluated by clinicians (response rate of 43.4%).ResultsRhinitis was self-reported by 36.08% of the respondents (37.8% of 6–7 year olds, 34.5% of 13–14 year olds, and 36.0% of adults). The lowest prevalence rate was in the rural region (22.9%). Allergic rhinitis (AR) was self-reported by 22.54% of the respondents (23.6% of 6–7 year olds, 24.6% of 13–14 year olds, and 21.0% of adults). Again, the lowest prevalence rate was in the rural region (16.0%). AR was more frequent in males (24.0%) than in females (21.2%) (OR = 1.079; 95%CI: 1.044–1.116). AR was actually diagnosed by a clinician in 28.9%, including intermittent AR in 47.7% and persistent AR in 52.3%. Seasonal AR was diagnosed in 15.55%, and perennial rhinitis in 15.2%ConclusionAllergic rhinitis is common in Poland as it affects nearly 25% of the population and it is a major social problem. Standards of early detection and prevention of allergic rhinitis should be introduced

The relationship between antibiotic therapy in early childhood and the symptoms of allergy in children aged 6–8 years — the questionnaire study results

Introduction: Studies based on the ISAAC questionnaire suggest a correlation between the use of antibiotics and the prevalence of asthma and allergy in children aged 6-7 years. The number of courses of antibiotic therapy is an important factor. Objectives: To investigate the relationship between the use of antibiotics during the fi rst years of life and the prevalence of allergy and asthma among children (aged 6-8 years) in the urban population of Poland. Materials and Methods: A survey-based study with a self-completed questionnaire. The respondents were parents of children aged 6-8 years living in Warszawa, Poland. 1461 completed questionnaires were collected. Results: Asthma was declared in 4.3% of the children. Wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi within 12 months before the study was observed in 13.5% of the cases. Asthma medication was taken by 21.8% of the children. Allergic rhinitis was declared in 18.7% of the children. Problems with sneezing, rhinorrhea, and nasal congestion not associated with cold or fever were observed in 40.7% of the children. The a nalysis of the odds ratios between the use of antibiotics and the symptoms of allergic diseases revealed a clear correlation. The highest odds ratio was observed between the completion of over three courses of antibiotic therapy prior to the age of 12 months and the declaration of one of the following: asthma (OR = 5.59, 95% CI: 2.6-12.01), wheezing and/or sibilant rhonchi (OR = 4.68, 95% CI: 3.01-7.27) and taking medicines for breathlessness (OR = 5.12, 95% CI: 3.42-7.68). Conclusions: There is a direct relationship between antibiotic use in the fi rst 3 years of life and asthma and allergy symptoms in children aged 6-8 years old