Allergic Rhinitis: Incidence and Remission From Childhood to Young Adulthood—A Prospective Study

To assess allergic rhinitis (AR) incidence and remission from age 8 to 19 years and to identify risk factors associated with AR development and remission.The study followed a population-based cohort of children in Northern Sweden, starting at a median age of 8 years. A total of 2585 children were enrolled at baseline in 2006, with an initial participation rate of 96%. At follow-up in 2016-2017, 2250 (91%) participated at age 19. A subset of 1338 participants underwent skin prick testing (SPT) for airborne allergens at both time points.This was a prospective longitudinal cohort study that observed children from age 8 to 19 in Northern Sweden. Questionnaires and SPTs for airborne allergens were completed at both ages 8 and 19. Incidence and remission were assessed based on AR status (defined by AR symptoms or medication use) at ages 8 and 19. Logistic regression identified risk factors, adjusting for sensitization, sex, socioeconomic status, family history of AR, and early-life exposures such as other atopic conditions.The overall cumulative incidence of AR was 33.6% by age 19 and was significantly higher in girls (37.4%) than boys (29.8%). Among those with AR at age 8, 40.0% experienced remission by age 19, with higher remission in boys (45.4%) than girls (32.2%). Early (before age 8) and later (between ages 8 and 19) allergic sensitization significantly increased the risk of developing AR and decreased the likelihood of remission. By age 19, the prevalence of AR rose from 15.6% at age 8 to 37.7%, and sensitization increased from 30.9% at age 8 to 46.8%. Female sex and sensitization were key risk factors for AR incidence, whereas male sex, absence of sensitization, and higher socioeconomic status were associated with remission.This longitudinal study found a high incidence of AR from childhood to young adulthood, particularly among girls. Boys were more likely to experience AR remission compared with girls. Early and late sensitization were strong predictors of AR development and reduced the likelihood of remission. These findings highlight the importance of early identification of sensitized children, as well as the influence of sex and socioeconomic factors on AR outcomes.Although allergic rhinitis is a growing and common chronic condition that significantly impacts quality of life in children and young adults, there have been limited studies focused on its incidence, remission, and risk factors in this age group. This study provides long-term, population-based data on the development and remission of AR from childhood to early adulthood. It also identifies key risk factors, such as allergic sensitization and sex differences, that can help clinicians better predict which children are likely to develop persistent AR.