The study of co-morbid conditions in adults with allergic rhinitis, from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and their comparison with children

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an allergen-induced inflammation of the nasal mucosa. Several studies have shown a link not only between AR and asthma but also with other co-morbid conditions. It is important to recognize the onset and existence of these co-morbid conditions, for adequate treatment, prevention of the development of new allergen sensitizations and air-way hypersensitivities. This is a prospective study of co-morbid conditions in adults with AR, from Mumbai, Maharashtra, India and compares them with those in children 23 consecutive children below 6 years (Group 1), 42 children between age of 6 years and 14 years in Group 2 and 57 adults in Group 3 were selected for the symptoms of AR (sneezing, watering and blocked nose), which were currently sufficiently troublesome to require medication. A high association of co-morbid conditions with AR was found. More than 80% suffered from one to three co-morbid conditions each. The most common co-morbid condition was asthma in all the groups. Often asthma and sinusitis was asymptomatic and a high degree of suspicion was needed for diagnosis. Adults had the highest prevalence of sinusitis and allergic conjunctivitis. Prevalence of urticaria was similar in children as well as adults. Studies with larger data samples are needed to confirm these associations.