The Prevalence and Risk Factors of Allergic Diseases in School-Age Athletes in Southwest of Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Study

Objective: The prevalence and the risk factors influencing allergic disorders in amateur athletes are still poorly defined. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and risk factors of the common allergic disorders in school aged athletes compared with the general population in southwest of Turkey. Methods: Using the "International Study of Asthma and Allergy in Childhood (ISAAC) Phase I" questionnaire, 714 athletes aged 7-18 and 325 age-matched healthy controls were examined. Risk factors that would affect the prevalence were evaluated with the questions given in addition to this questionnaire. Results: In the athlete group, the prevalence of existing asthma, allergic rhinitis, and eczema was lower than controls [(3.8%) and (16.3%), respectively, p<0.001], [(18.7%) and (42.1%)], respectively, p <0.001) and [(5.5%) and (10.5%), respectively, p<0.001]. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that in the athlete population, a previously known allergy increased risk of curent wheezing (odds ratio [OR] =5.3; confidence interval, [CI]=1.8-15.4), current allergic rhinitis ([OR]=2.8; [CI]=1.3-6.2), and current eczema ([OR]=4.5; CI=1.1-17.1). Familial atopy increased risk of current allergic rhinitis (OR=2.2; CI=0.9-4.9), and current eczema ([OR] = 6.6; [CI]=1.7-25.7). Conclusion: This study is the first prevalence study using the ISAAC method in school-age sports children in southwestern Turkey. Unlike adults, the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis and eczema was found to be lower than controls of the same age. It is thought that sports and spending more time outdoors in children reduce allergic inflammation.