The prevalence of skin‐test‐positive allergic rhinitis in Danish adults: two cross‐sectional surveys 8 years apart.The Copenhagen Allergy Study

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Abstract
Background: It is disputed whether increases in self‐reported respiratory allergy represent a true increase or merely increased recognition. We aimed to investigate whether the prevalence of skin‐prick‐test (SPT)‐positive allergic rhinitis had increased in an adult general population in Copenhagen, Denmark. Methods: Two cross‐sectional surveys were carried out in 1990 and 1998. A screening questionnaire on respiratory symptoms in random samples of 15–41‐year‐olds preceded both surveys. Among the responders, random samples were invited to a health examination including SPT. Totals of 312 (participation rate 74.6%) and 482 (participation rate 53.4%) subjects were examined in 1990 and 1998, respectively. Diagnoses of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis were based on a history of nasal symptoms on exposure to allergens and SPT positivity to allergens. Results: The prevalence of a diagnosis of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis increased from 12.9% to 22.5% (adjusted odds ratio 1.94, 95% CI 1.30–2.90), whereas the prevalence of a positive SPT (allergen histamine wheal ratio ≥0.5) to one or more of 10 allergens increased from 27.7% to 33.9% (adjusted odds ratio 1.47, 95% CI 1.05–2.05). Conclusions: The prevalence of SPT‐positive allergic rhinitis has increased significantly. Our findings indicate that a true increase in respiratory allergy has occurred.

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