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Allergic rhinitis in children (Master thesis)

Παπαβασιλείου, Ιωάννα/ Papavasileiou, Ioanna/ Ρινολογία - ρινοχειρουργική

Objective: To synthesize current evidence on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, comorbidities, and treatment of pediatric allergic rhinitis. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using a structured search of PubMed/MEDLINE and Google Scholar, focusing on English-language publications from 2016 to 2026. The core evidence base comprised 56 publications, including primary studies, reviews, meta-analyses, and clinical practice guidelines. Selection was presented using a PRISMA 2020-style flow diagram. Findings were synthesized narratively, without a new meta-analysis. Results: Prevalence estimates varied according to population and diagnostic definition. A family history of atopy was a consistent risk indicator, whereas environmental associations do not necessarily establish causality. The condition is associated with asthma, sleep disturbances, and impaired quality of life. Diagnosis requires interpreting evidence of allergic sensitization alongside the clinical presentation. Combined intranasal corticosteroid-antihistamine is a mainstay of treatment for persistent or moderate-to-severe disease. Allergen immunotherapy offers potential long-term benefits in selected children, although evidence for asthma prevention remains inconclusive. Evidence concerning vitamin D, probiotics, and newer targeted therapies remains limited or heterogeneous. Limitations: Heterogeneity across publications, restriction to two search sources and English-language literature, and the absence of a uniform risk-of-bias assessment limit confidence in the conclusions. Conclusions: Management should be individualized according to age, disease severity, and comorbidities. Further pediatric studies with standardized outcomes and long-term follow-up are needed.