Heuschnupfen bei Partnern

Abstract

Background

In this epidemiological study we examined the determinants of hay fever and especially the parallel-affection of partners.

Methods

We report on a representative population-based cross-sectional study in adults aged 25 to 75 years, in the region of Augsburg, Germany (KORA Survey 2000). 4,236 subjects (response 67%) participated in the study between September 1999 and April 2001 in which standardized computer-assisted interviews were performed.

Results

In 14.6% hay fever had been diagnosed by a doctor and 63.9% of these patients still had symptoms at the time of investigation. The prevalence was significantly higher in women (15.9% vs. 13.2%, OR 1.24, 1.04–1.49) and those with a positive parental history of hay fever (44.7% vs. 12.8%, OR 5.52, 4.19–7.25). The age of onset was on average 25.5 years and one quarter of all hay fever cases occurred after 35 years of age.

We observed an association between hay fever in the study subjects and in their partners. When the partner did not have hay fever, 14.0% of the study subjects were affected, whereas 21.2% had hay fever when the partner also had a positive history. This association held true after control for age, sex, school education, and parental predisposition (OR 2.01, 1.32–3.06)

Conclusion

Hay fever is common in the adult general population and the age of onset is probably higher than estimated previously. The parallel affection of partners motivates further analyses in the view of non-genetic influences.