An Update on the Prevalence of Allergic Rhinitis in Korea, and Correlation with Hypertension, Obesity and Smoking

Background and Objectives: We aimed to provide an updated data on the prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) in the Korean population and to evaluate the correlation between AR and hypertension, obesity, and smoking. Materials and Methods: Analysis of data from 31,822 people in Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey during a 5-year period (from 2010 to 2014). The diagnosis of AR was done by questionnaire. Results: The overall prevalence of AR was 15.2% and 16.4% in Korean males and females, respectively. The prevalence tended to decrease with age. Subjects with AR were younger than those without (p<0.001) in both males and females. Living in urban area, history of atopic dermatitis, and asthma were all significantly correlated with higher prevalence (p<0.01). Risk for AR conferred to maternal hypertension history was 1.31 (95% CI=1.06-1.62 ; p<0.05) in the male population. However, systolic and diastolic blood pressures (DBP), medication history, and paternal hypertension history did not differ between the AR and normal groups (p>0.05). The odds ratio of obesity (BMI ≥25, compared to normal) for AR was 0.82 (95% CI=0.68-0.98 ; p<0.05) in the male population. Finally, the adjusted odds ratio of ex-smoker (compared to non-smoker) for AR was 1.41 (95% CI=1.05-1.89 ; p<0.05) in males. However, current smoking and pack-year did not differ between AR and normal groups (p>0.05). Conclusions: There was no significant correlation between hypertension and AR. In Korean adult males, obesity was associated with a low prevalence of allergic rhinitis. Although there was no significant correlation between current smoking and AR, there was a notable correlation between ex-smoking and AR in male adults. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2018;29:42-52)