Panagoda Weththasinghage Nadeeka Teklani¹, Dimuth Peiris ², Prasad Chathurangana ³, Dimantha Waduressa ³, Dinesha Molligoda⁴
1- Postgraduate Institute of Medicine, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka
2- Estate and Urban Health Unit, Ministry of Health, Sri Lanka
3- Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Sri Lanka
4- Department of Family Medicine, University of Sri Jayawardhenapura, Sri Lanka
Corresponding Author:
Panagoda Weththasinghage Nadeeka Teklani (
pwnteklani@gmail.com)
Abstract Body
Introduction: Allergic rhinitis is a common allergic condition in children associated with significant morbidity . In routine practice, children with allergic rhinitis often present with recurrent respiratory tract infections (defined as ≥5 infections per year), which may be misinterpreted as repeated infections. This can result in underdiagnosis, inappropriate antibiotic use, and persistent symptoms. Local evidence on allergic rhinitis in children with recurrent respiratory tract infections is limited.
Objectives: To assess the prevalence of allergic rhinitis, associated factors, and its impact on quality of life among children aged 5–14 years presenting with recurrent respiratory tract infections to the outpatient department of Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo.
Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 250 children aged 5–14 years with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Data were collected using an intervieweradministered questionnaire based on ISAAC Phase III questionnaire and Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™). Socio-demographic, environmental, atopic, and examination findings were analyzed using SPSS. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
Results: The prevalence of allergic rhinitis was 30.4%, with a male preponderance. Ocular symptoms (18.4%), asthma (p < 0.001), and characteristic ENT findings (p < 0.05) were significantly associated with allergic rhinitis. Sleep, school functioning, and daily activities were significantly impaired by allergic rhinitis (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Allergic rhinitis is a clinically significant condition among children with recurrent respiratory tract infections. Routine outpatient assessment may improve early recognition, optimize symptom control, and reduce unnecessary antibiotic use. Further studies are needed to assess long-term impact in Sri Lankan children.