Exposure to particulate matter before and after birth linked to heightened allergic rhinitis risk

https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2021-03/b-etp031021.php

 

News Release 11-Mar-2021
BMJ

 

Exposure to the air pollutant fine particulate matter (PM2.5) before and after birth is linked to a heightened risk of childhood allergic rhinitis, finds research published online in the journal Thorax.

The period of vulnerability may be during late pregnancy (30 weeks) right through to the first year of life, the findings suggest.

Allergic rhinitis is defined as inflammation of the membranes lining the nose and typically involves one or more of: sneezing; itching; runny and/or a blocked nose. Allergic rhinitis doesn't cause serious health problems, but its various symptoms, particularly if severe, affect social life, school performance, and work productivity, say the researchers.


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