BACKGROUND: Paracetamol has been related to a higher prevalence of asthma. However, the relationship between paracetamol and rhinitis is still under debate.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to evaluate the relationship between the paracetamol use with the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms in children and adolescents from our region (Galicia; North-West Spain).

METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study using the ISAAC questionnaire. Based on the answers to the questionnaire, four categories of rhinitis were defined: ?Rhinitis ever? (RE); ?Recent rhinitis? (RR); ?Recent rhinoconjunctivitis? (RRC) and ?Severe rhinoconjunctivitis? (SRC). 

Paracetamol consumption in the past year was evaluated based on the response to a questionnaire with 3 possible responses: never, at least once a year, at least once per month. Consumption of paracetamol in the first year of life was evaluated with two response options, yes or no.

The Odds ratio (OR) and Confidence interval 95% (CI) of the prevalence of rhinitis symptoms according to the paracetamol use was calculated using logistic regression, adjusted by gender, body mass index, parental smoking, maternal education level, cat, and dog at home.

RESULTS: We included 10,690 children and 10,730 adolescents. In table 1 it is shown that more frequent use of paracetamol is associated with a higher prevalence of rhinitis, both in children and adolescents.

CONCLUSIONS: Higher use or paracetamol seems to be associated with higher prevalence of rhinitis

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Maria-Jose Jove Foundation.