Prevalence and bidirectional association between rhinitis and urticaria:
A systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Background: Rhinitis, allergic rhinitis in particular, and urticaria are
both common atopic problems globally. However, there is controversy
regarding the correlation between rhinits and urticaria. Objectives: To
examine the accurate association between rhinitis and urticaria.
Methods: Three medical databases (PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science)
were searched from database inception until January 11, 2022. The
prevalence and association between rhinitis and urticaria were estimated
by meta-analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews
and Meta-analyses guidelines were followed, and quality assessment was
performed using the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale. Pooled odds ratios (OR)
with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) and pooled prevalence were
calculated using random-effects models. Results: Urticaria prevalence in
patients with rhinitis was 17.6% (95% CI, 13.2%–21.9%). The pooled
prevalence of rhinitis was 31.3% (95% CI, 24.2%–38.4%) in patients
with urticaria, and rhinitis prevalence in patients with acute urticaria
and chronic urticaria was 31.6% (95% CI, 7.4%–55.8%) and 28.7%
(95% CI, 20.4%–36.9%), respectively. Rhinitis occurence was
significantly associated with urticaria (OR, 2.67; 95% CI,
2.625–2.715). Limitations: Urticaria and rhinitis were diagnosed based
on different criteria possibly resulting in a potential
misclassification of these two diseases. Conclusion: Rhinitis and
urticaria were significantly correlated. Physicians should be cognizant
regarding this relationship and address nasal or skin symptoms in
patients.