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Prevalence and treatment of allergic rhinitis in Italian conscripts.

BACKGROUND
Previous surveys on Italian conscripts showed a low prevalence of allergic rhinitis. This study investigated the prevalence and the treatment of allergic rhinitis in the "conscript model" during a four-year period (1999-2002).


METHODS
28,327 18-year old males were screened and referred to La Spezia Military Navy Hospital for call-up visit. Detailed history, clinical examination, skin prick test, spirometry, and metacholine challenge were performed in subjects with suspected diagnosis of respiratory allergy.


RESULTS
Allergic rhinitis was diagnosed in 2,876 conscripts (10.15%). Most of them showed an association with asthma (67.2%). Prevalence of allergic rhinitis increased five-fold in comparison with a previous survey. Sneezing was the most common nasal symptom. The use of antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids increased significantly. However, about one third of the rhinitis subjects did not receive any treatment at all.


CONCLUSIONS
Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in Italian conscripts has increased. Treatment of allergic rhinitis was correctly based on antihistamines and corticosteroids, but many rhinitis subjects remained still untreated.