Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammatory condition of the upper airways that is frequently observed in children. Emerging evidence suggests that AR may play a crucial role in the pathogenesis and progression of bronchial asthma. This study aimed to evaluate the association between AR and the subsequent development of bronchial asthma in children, as well as to identify risk factors that may predispose patients with AR to develop asthma. In a prospective, multicenter observational study conducted between January 2020 and December 2022, 600 children aged 5–15 years with a clinical diagnosis of AR were enrolled and followed for 18 months. Clinical assessments, allergy testing, spirometric evaluations, and standardized questionnaires (including the Total Nasal Symptom Score and Asthma Control Test [ACT]) were employed to monitor disease progression. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that children with moderate-to-severe AR, a family history of atopy, and concomitant exposure to indoor allergens were at significantly higher risk of developing bronchial asthma (Odds Ratio [OR] 3.2, 95% Confidence Interval [CI] 1.9–5.4, p < 0.001). Our findings support the hypothesis that AR is a major risk factor for bronchial asthma in children and emphasize the need for early identification and integrated management strategies to mitigate the progression from AR to asthma.

Allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, pediatric asthma, risk factors, atopy, longitudinal study.

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