A Cross Sectional Study to Evaluate the Prevalence, Risk Factors and Comorbidities of Allergic Rhinitis among School Going Children.

Background: Allergic rhinitis is a common disease affecting children and adults all over the world. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis has significantly increased among children in developing countries. It has a significant effect on the quality of life and performance of children. There are only a few studies in India on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis. This was a hospital based cross sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence, risk factors and associated co-morbidities among school going children. Methods: This was a hospital based observational cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care medical college hospital of Kerala for a period of one year. A questionnaire was distributed to 200 parents of children aged 3 to 15 years attending the out-patient department. The questionnaire was prepared based on the one developed by ISSAC Steering committee (International Study of Asthma and allergies in childhood) with some additional questions. Questions regarding the symptoms, risk factors and co morbidities were asked and the responses were analyzed. Conclusion: In our study we found a high prevalence of allergic rhinitis among children. Moderate - severe persistent was the most commontype. It was associated with various co- morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]