The association of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms in adolescents

CM Brito, Rita de Cássia; da Silva, Gisélia A.P.; Motta, Maria E.F.A.; Brito, Murilo C.A.

doi:10.1016/S2173-5115(09)70137-X

Article information

Abstract

Aim

Our study aimed to determine the rate of association of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms in adolescents to analyse whether asthma symptoms are more severe and frequent in asthmatics with concomitant allergic rhinitis and assess if adolescents are aware of having rhinoconjunctivitis.

Methods

A cross-sectional study, with two components: a study in prevalence and an inter-case study (rhinitis symptoms) with a comparison group (no rhinitis symptoms), based on information from questionnaires applied in phase 3 of ISAAC in Recife in 2002.

Results

Associated rhinoconjunctivitis and probable asthma symptoms were observed in 5.1% of adolescents (48/940; CI 95%: 3.8%-6.6%), probable asthma alone in 10.9% (103/940; CI 95%: 9.1%-13.1%) and rhinoconjunctivitis alone in 9.7% (91/940; CI 95%: 7.9%-13%). Among the rhinitisbearing adolescents, almost 81.3% (39/48) had persistent probable asthma and 31.8% (48/151) of asthmatic patients rhinoconjunctivitis. 65.1% (86/132) of adolescents with diagnosed rhinitis were unaware of rhinitis symptoms.

Conclusions

The association of rhinoconjunctivitis and asthma symptoms is frequent and associated to more severe asthma symptoms. Adolescents’ unawareness of rhinitis symptoms reflects the underdiagnosis that can result in downplaying the symptoms, and the consequent undertreatment.

Key-words:

Prevalence

rhinoconjunctivitis

asthma

adolescents

Resumo

Objectivos

Determinar a prevalência da associação de sintomas de rinoconjuntivite e asma em adolescentes, analisar se os sintomas de asma são mais intensos e frequentes entre os adolescentes com sintomas de rinoconjuntivite alérgica e avaliar se os adolescentes reconhecem os sintomas de rinoconjuntivite.

Métodos

Realizou-se um estudo do tipo corte transversal com dois componentes: um estudo de prevalência e um estudo entre casos (sintomas de rinoconjuntivite), com um grupo de comparação (ausência de sintomas de rinoconjuntivite) a partir de informações dos questionários aplicados na fase 3 do ISAAC, no ano de 2002, na cidade do Recife.

Resultados

A prevalência da associação de sintomas de rinoconjuntivite e de provável asma foi de 5,1% (48/940; IC 95%: 3,8%-6,6%), apenas de asma de 10,9% (103/940; IC 95%: 9,1%-13,1%) e de rinoconjuntivite isolada foi de 9,7% (91/940; IC 95%: 7,9%-13%). Entre os adolescentes com sintomas de rinite, 81,3% (39/48) tinham provável asma persistente, 31,8% (48/151) dos com sintomas de asma referiam também sintomas de rinoconjuntivite. Não reconheciam os sintomas de rinoconjuntivite 65,1% (86/132) dos adolescentes que apresentavam esses sintomas.

Conclusão

A associação de sintomas de rinoconjuntivite e asma é frequente e está associada à maior gravidade dos sintomas de asma. O facto de os adolescentes não reconhecerem os sintomas de rinoconjuntivite reflecte o subdiagnóstico, que pode resultar na desvalorização dos sintomas e, consequentemente, no tratamento inadequado.

Palavras-chave:

Asma

rinite

adolescentes

prevalência

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