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Purpose: Rhinitis and conjunctivitis are common diseases worldwide that are frequently associated. Nevertheless, the risk factors for rhinoconjurc tiitis are not well-described and the impact of conjunctivitis on rtinitis and asthma in children remains unknown. This study explored the different risk factors and evaluated the burden of rhinoconjunctivitis among adolescents. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on a random sample of schoolchildren, aged 10-17 years, using skin prick tests and a self-administered questionnaire on respiratory health investigating pact of thinitis and rhinoconjunctivitis on daily activities. Results: A complete evaluation was obtained for 2.150 children. The prevalence of rhinitis alone was 18.2% and tinitis associated with conjunctivitis was 20.5%. Rhinoconjunctivitis was more frequently associated with females, a parental history of atopt domestic exposure to mold/dampness, passive smoke exposure, and reported truck traffic in residential streets. Moreover, rhino-conjunctivitis was associated with a higher level of allergic sensitization. The prevalence of current asthma was 1.7% in subjects without rhinitis or rhinoconjunctivitis, 5.1% in rhinitis and 10.7% in rhinoconjunctivitis. In a logistic model, rhinoconjunctivitis yielded a 2-fold risk for current asthma with respect to thinitis Subjects with rhinoconjunctivitis had poorer quality of life (QoL); there was an impact on daily activities in 4.6% of rhinitis and 107% of rhinoconjunctivitis. Conclusions: Ocular symptoms increase the role of rhinitis as a risk factor for asthma and its impact on daily activities in children. |
