소아 알레르기비염과 동반질환; 전신 증상과 천식

Abstract

Rhinitis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the nasal mucosa, characterized by symptoms, such as rhinorrhea, nasal congestion, sneezing, and nasal pruritus. It is broadly classified as allergic and nonallergic rhinitis based on allergen sensitization. Allergic rhinitis (AR) in pediatric populations is clinically important, as it is one of the most prevalent chronic conditions in children. In Korea, its prevalence among elementary school students was 15.5% in 1995 and 20.4% in 2000, according to International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood data; also, reached 20.8% in children and adolescents by 2016. The hallmark symptoms of AR not only impair the quality of life for both patients and caregivers but are also associated with multisystem comorbidities. AR is frequently accompanied by other allergic conditions, including asthma, allergic keratoconjunctivitis, and atopic dermatitis, and may affect physical, psychological, and social health. In children, mild or intermittent symptoms are often underrecognized, leading to delays in appropriate management. Persistent nasal obstruction can result in sleep disturbances, hypoxia, and impaired growth and development, while chronic inflammation may contribute to systemic complications. Nonsurgical complications, such as septal deviation, adenoid hypertrophy, sinusitis, and turbinate hypertrophy, must also be considered when nasal obstruction is unresponsive to AR treatment. Emerging research suggests that pediatric AR is linked to respiratory conditions as well as to disorders affecting the mental, cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, and gastrointestinal systems. This review explores the clinical relevance, mechanisms, and systemic impacts of pediatric AR.