Number of siblings and allergic rhinitis in children
Abstract: Allergic rhinitis is
one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood. Recent studies have
suggested that having fewer siblings was associated with allergic rhinitis and
atopic diseases in children. Previous studies also indicated that older
siblings was associated with higher incidence of allergic rhinitis.
Objectives To assess for a possible association between number of
siblings and allergic rhinitis and to assess for an effect of birth order on
allergic rhinitis in children.
Methods We performed a cross-sectional study among school children aged 7
to 15 years, in the West Medan District from July to August 2011. Children with
moderate or high risk of allergy were included. Subjects were divided into two
groups, those with <3 siblings or ≥3 siblings. Children with acute
respiratory tract infections, septal deviation, choanal atresia, nasal polyps,
nasal tumors, or nasal foreign body were excluded. Risk of allergy was
determined using the Indonesian Pediatrics Allergy Immunology Working Group
trace card scoring system. Identification of allergic rhinitis and evaluation
of its severity were done by use of the International Study of Asthma and
Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) core questionnaire. Allergic rhinitis was
diagnosed based on history, physical examination, and anterior rhinoscopy.
Results A total of 78 subjects were enrolled. Allergic rhinitis was
significantly higher in children with <3 siblings than those with ≥3
siblings (OR 10.33; 95%CI 3.569 to 29.916). Furthermore, allergic rhinitis was
significantly higher in first-born children than in their younger siblings
(P=0.0001).
Conclusion Larger number of siblings and non-first-born children are
associated with lower incidence of allergic rhinitis in children.
Author: Soewira Sastra, Lily
Irsa, Muhammad Sjabaroeddin Loebis, Rita Evalina
Journal Code: jpkedokterangg160017
