Epidemiological analysis of the dynamics of symptoms of allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren of the Grodno region over a 15-year period (2008–2023)

Abstract

Rationale: Allergic rhinitis is becoming an increasingly common disease, affecting a large proportion of the population, especially children. The steady increase in morbidity and the continuing difficulties of timely verification of the diagnosis dictate the need for an in-depth study of the epidemiological aspects of this pathology. Objective: To assess the dynamics of the prevalence of symptoms of allergic rhinitis in schoolchildren of the Grodno region over a 15-year period (2008–2023) using the ISAAC questionnaire. Materials and methods. The study, based on a survey of schoolchildren 6–7 years old and 13–14 years old, revealed an ambiguous dynamics of rhinitis symptoms. In younger students, there is an increase in sneezing and nasal congestion without signs of a cold, as well as an increase in cases of hay fever. Adolescents, by contrast, had decreased rates of rhinitis without infection, but increased rates of symptoms associated with allergic conjunctivitis and increased rates of established diagnosis of hay fever. The effect of symptoms on daily activity remains moderate or negligible in both age groups. Conclusion. Improved diagnosis and awareness may contribute to the rise in diagnosed cases of allergic rhinitis. Further research is needed to identify the causes of the rise in allergic diseases and to develop prevention and treatment measures, including allergies and seasonal therapies.