The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in adults in Aydin, Turkey

Background: Allergic rhinitis is the most common allergic disease in Turkey. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults living in Aydin, Turkey. Methods: A population-based survey was undertaken among adults aged 16-64 years. Allergic rhinitis was confirmed in the subjects screened positive by the clinical examination and specific immunoglobulin E testing. Results: A total of 465 interviews were conducted in spring 2005. The prevalence of allergic rhinitis in the past 12 months was 14.0%. The prevalence rate of clinically confirmable AR was computed as 11.4%. The prevalence was significantly higher among females and in urban areas. Specific IgE were detected for at least one of tested aeroallergens in 34.8% of the subjects with self-reported AR. Conclusion: Our study revealed that the prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults living in the city of Aydin was as high as the prevalence in other regions of Turkey but less than in Europe.