Prevalence and associated factors of allergic rhinitis in a mountain-plain transition zone of Beijing: A cross-sectional study

Background: Beijing is a high-risk area for allergic diseases. There is a large amount of pollen in Beijing in spring, mainly cypress, but the source of the pollen is still unclear. Objective: An epidemiological survey of allergic diseases in a mountain-plain transition zone of Beijing can be used to determine the prevalence and associated factors for allergic diseases and assess their effects on pollen-induced allergic rhinitis (PIAR) in Beijing. Methods: From June to July 2023, a single-center, community-based, multistage stratified cluster random sampling survey was conducted among the population in Huairou District, Beijing. We administered face-to-face questionnaires and performed skin prick tests (SPTs) with age-differentiated allergen panels. The period covered by participants’reported symptom recall was identical to that of pollen monitoring, thereby ensuring consistency between clinical outcome assessment and environmental exposure measurement. The clinical characteristics of allergic rhinitis (AR), pollen distribution, sensitization features, and major associated factors were observed. Results: A total of 5,175 participants completed the questionnaires and the SPTs. The prevalence rates of self-reported AR, physician-diagnosed AR, and PIAR were 45.03% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 42.54–47.53), 33.94% (95% CI = 31.03–36.86), and 31.94% (95% CI = 29.21–34.67), respectively. The main airborne pollen types in spring were Juniperus chinensis and Pinus , while Juniperus chinensis was identified as the dominant clinically relevant sensitizing allergen based on SPT results; Artemisia and Humulus scandens predominated in autumn. The total pollen deposition counts were greater in spring than in autumn. The peak pollen deposition counts showed temporal concordance with the frequency of clinical symptoms, although symptoms peaked in April following the March pollen peak. Conclusion: This survey offers real‑world epidemiological evidence for AR and PIAR in the Beijing mountain‑plain transition zone. Concordance between pollen deposition and symptom seasonality supports prioritized monitoring and management of Juniperus chinensis and Artemisia for local AR control.