Epidemiology

AR is a common disease that affects up to 30% of adults and up to 40% of children in industrialized countries worldwide.[6] The prevalence of AR varies significantly between countries.[7]

AR is believed to affect up to 60 million people in the US annually.[3] Prevalence of physician-diagnosed AR in the US has been reported to be 14% in adults and 7% in children.[8]

In Europe, the prevalence of AR has been reported as 13%.[9]

AR affects people of all ages, but approximately 80% of individuals diagnosed with AR develop symptoms before the age of 20 years.[10][11] During childhood, older children have a higher prevalence of AR than younger children, with a peak occurring at ages 13 to 14 years.[12] During childhood, boys are more likely than girls to be affected by AR; beginning in puberty, girls have a higher rate of new AR symptoms, and by age >20 years the prevalence of AR is equal among men and women.[13]

AR has a major impact on quality of life. It is commonly associated with and can exacerbate asthma, allergic conjunctivitis, rhinosinusitis, and sleep disturbances.[3]

AR is found in approximately twice as many children with sleep-disordered breathing as those without.[14] The presence of AR in adults with obstructive sleep apnea does not appear to affect sleep parameters. Further exploration of the interaction between these conditions is indicated.[14]

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