Obesity is a risk factor for allergic rhinitis in children of Wuhan (China)

BACKGROUND: The relationship between obesity and allergic diseases in children of China is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To analysis the relationship between obesity and overweight and the prevalence of allergic diseases and the impact of gender. METHODS: Questionnaire based on those used in National Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood in China. The study included 3,327 participants (23.7% aged 2–6 years, 65.8% aged 7–12 years, 10.5% aged 13–14 years) in Wuhan City. Allergic diseases were determined by physicians. RESULTS: Overweight was found in 35.68% of participants (8.96% of 2–6 years old, 32.83% of 7–12 years old, and 48.57% of 13–14 years old), obesity in 12.53% (4.18%, 12.01%, and 4.29%, respectively). Obesity (odds ratio [OR], 1.33) increased the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis. Obesity (OR, 1.48) affected the incidence of allergic rhinitis in girls. There was no relationship between body mass index (BMI) and asthma in child from Wuhan City. Obesity and overweight did not affect the frequency of asthma, food allergy, and drug allergy. CONCLUSION: Obesity increased the prevalence of allergic rhinitis and atopic dermatitis in child. Higher BMI was no relationship with the prevalence of asthma, food allergy, and drug allergy.