Tonsil volume and allergic rhinitis in children - PubMed (original) (raw)

Tonsil volume and allergic rhinitis in children

Franco Ameli et al. Allergy Rhinol (Providence). 2014 Jan.

Abstract

Tonsil hypertrophy (TH) is very common in children. Previously, it has been reported that an inverse relationship exists between adenoid hypertrophy (AH) and allergic rhinitis (AR). This study aimed to investigate the possible relationship between tonsil volume and AR diagnosis in a group of children complaining of upper airways obstruction. Globally, 171 children (91 boys; mean age, 6.6 years) were studied. Clinical visit, nasal endoscopy, and skin-prick test were performed in all patients. TH and anterior nasal obstruction were graded using the Friedman's classifications. Adenoid volume was graded using the Parikh's classification. Fifty-eight children (33.9%) had relevant TH (grades 3-4); 77 children (44.94%) had AR. There was a strong correlation (gamma = 0.564; p < 0.001) between TH and AH. Tonsil volume was inversely associated with AR diagnosis (odds ratio [OR], 0.314). Risk factors for TH were intense mucosal inflammation (pale mucous membranes) and AH (OR, 3.54 and 2.856, respectively). This study shows that large tonsils are negatively associated with allergy, whereas intense inflammation is a risk factor for TH; AH may be frequently associated with TH.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare pertaining to this article

Figures

Figure 1.

Figure 1.

Relationship between tonsil volume and adenoid volume.

Figure 2.

Figure 2.

Association between volume of tonsils and presence of allergic rhinitis (AR).

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