The gender, age and risk factor distribution differs in self-reported allergic and non-allergic rhinitis: A cross-sectional population-based study

Abstract

Background: Few population-based studies have assessed the prevalence and the risk factors of non-allergic rhinitis (NAR) in comparison to allergic rhinitis (AR). Moreover, epidemiologic data on rhinitis in the elderly subjects and in southern Europe are scarce. Objective: This study aimed at estimating the prevalence and at comparing the risk factor distribution of AR and NAR in a general population sample aged 20-84years in Italy. Methods: A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms and risk factors was administered to random samples of the Italian population aged 20-44 (n=10,494) 45-64 (n=2167) and 65-84 (n=1030) in the frame of the Gene Environment Interactions in Respiratory Diseases (GEIRD) study. Current AR and NAR were defined according to the self-reported presence of nasal allergies or of nasal symptoms without a cold or the flu. Results: NAR showed a significant descending pattern in females from 12.0% (95% CI 11.1, 13.1) in the 20-44year age class, to 7.5% (5.4, 10.3) in the 65-84year age class (p=0.0009), and a roughly stable pattern in males, from 10.2% (9.3, 11.2) to 11.1% (8.4, 13.9) (p=0.5261). AR decreased from 26.6% (25.7, 27.6) in 20-44years age class to 15.6% (13.3, 18.0) in the 65-84years age class (p<0.0001), without gender difference. Subjects living near industrial plants and ex- and current smokers had a higher risk of NAR. Current smokers had a lower risk and subjects living in a Mediterranean climate a higher risk of AR. Conclusion: AR and NAR are fairly distinct conditions, as they have a different age, gender and risk factor distribution.