Epidemiologic studies of the risk factors of allergic rhinitis

Abstract

This work consists of two parts, with the aim to identify modifiable, lifestyle-related risk factors, such as smoking and diet habits, of allergic rhinitis. Part one is a systematic review and meta-analysis on active and passive exposure to tobacco smoking and allergic rhinitis. The objective of this meta-analysis was to examine the evidence for an association between active smoking and passive exposure to secondhand smoke and allergic rhinitis in children and adults. The results indicate that there is an association between exposure to tobacco smoke and allergic rhinitis, especially in children. The results of this study were published in the international medical journal PLOS Medicine with an impact factor (2014) of 14.429, ranked 7th out of 153 journals of general medicine. Part two of this work consists of a multicenter case-control study, which was carried out between January 2011 and October 2013. This study had the aim to shed light on modifiable dietary risk factors of allergic rhinitis. The main objectives of this study were to determine the effects of a high dietary intake of proteins, antioxidants and omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids on the occurrence of allergic rhinitis. The findings provide strong evidence that a high intake of proteins and some antioxidants, such as ß-carotene, is associated with increased risk of allergic rhinitis. Conversely, high intakes of omega-3 and omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids show a tendency to decrease the risk of allergic rhinitis. The results of both parts of this study confirm that modifiable risk factors such as smoking and nutrition have an effect on the development of allergic rhinitis and thus regarding to this, preventive measures can be proposed.