A research team from the Eco-Child Survey Koshin Unit Center (Yamanashi University) investigated the prevalence, severity, and impact on daily life of allergic rhinitis (AR) in school-age children.
The prevalence of AR is rapidly increasing worldwide, and it has been suggested that the onset of AR is becoming younger in recent years. In Japan, the number of patients with seasonal AR (so-called hay fever), especially cedar pollen allergy, is increasing year by year and has become a national disease. In this study, we investigated children with AR in Yamanashi Prefecture, where there are many hay fever patients.
The Ministry of the Environment conducted a comprehensive health check for 8-year-old school-age children, targeting participants in the "National Survey on Children's Health and the Environment (Eco-Children Survey)," and measured immunoglobulin (IgE) antibody levels against cedar pollen and dust mites in 1,531 children. The results showed that 68.6% (more than two out of three people) had cedar pollen allergy antibodies, and 3% had dust mite allergy antibodies, which was the majority.
In addition, a survey of mothers on the severity of their children's hay fever diagnosed by a doctor revealed that the severity was classified as asymptomatic (2.3%), mild (15.8%), moderate (31.3%), severe (30.6%), and very severe (16.5%), with moderate or severe accounting for 78.4%. Furthermore, when asked about the impact on daily life (study, outdoor activities, sleep), the total of those who answered "a little" or "quite a lot" reached over 6%, highlighting the impact that hay fever has on children's daily life.
This study reaffirms the importance of early prevention and appropriate treatment of AR in children. It is expected that measures and treatments that are suitable for children, such as treatments that can be applied to children and preventive products that limit exposure to allergens, will improve children's AR symptoms and quality of life (QOL).
Paper information:[Scientific Reports] Association between allergen-specific immunoglobulin E sensitization, allergic rhinitis symptoms, and quality of life in school-aged children
