Allergic patients have more numerous and prolonged respiratory infections than nonallergic subjects

Allergy. 2007 Sep;62(9):1087-90. doi: 10.1111/j.1398-9995.2007.01401.x. Epub 2007 Jun 18.

Abstract

Background: Allergic disorders are characterized by type 2 helper T cell (Th2)-polarization, thus physiological type 1 helper T cell (Th1)-dependent mechanisms involved in fighting respiratory infections (RI) may be defective. It has previously been reported that allergic children have more numerous and severe RI than nonallergic ones.

Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the number and duration of RI in adult allergic and nonallergic subjects.

Methods: Six hundred and twenty-four subjects were studied; 202 of them were allergic (i.e. suffering from allergic rhinitis). The number of RI as well as the duration of the disease were recorded for 2 years.

Results: Allergic subjects showed a significantly higher rate of RI episodes [adjusted incidence rate ratio (IRR) = 2.16, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.94-2.41, P < 0.001] than subjects without allergy. The number of mild RI episodes was slightly higher in allergic subjects (IRR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.50-1.89, P < 0.001), while the number of severe episodes was markedly higher (IRR = 15.71, 95% CI 10.35-23.84, P < 0.001) when compared with nonallergic subjects. Moreover, allergic patients showed a longer total duration of RI than nonallergic subjects, with a mean difference of 17.4 days (95% CI 15.5-19.4, P < 0.001).

Conclusions: This study provides evidence that adult allergic patients have more numerous and prolonged RI than nonallergic subjects.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity / epidemiology*
  • Italy / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Military Personnel
  • Respiratory Tract Infections / epidemiology*
  • Severity of Illness Index