Effects of outdoor air pollution on children with allergic rhinitis

Abstract

The global worsening of air pollution has decreased the quality of life. Air pollutants can induce oxidative stress, epigenetic changes, and alterations to microRNA expression in the airway and skin, leading to immune dysregulation. Previous epidemiological studies suggest a strong association between outdoor environmental pollution and childhood allergic disease, especially allergic rhinitis (AR). Moreover, traffic-related air pollution has increased the severity and incidence of AR, and heavy traffic has been associated with an increased prevalence of AR. Thus, this review aimed to define outdoor environmental pollution and clarify the mechanisms by which air pollutants aggravate AR. In addition, we performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize the findings of several domestic and international epidemiological and clinical studies about the effects of air pollution on AR in children.