Objective To investigate the epidemic features of allergic rhinitis (AR) in western areas of China (Chongqing

Chengdu in Sichuan province

Urumchi in Xinjiang province

Nanning in Guangxi province).  Methods A questionnaire survey on AR was carried out among students from primary school

middle school or colleges and their parents

by random multistage and cluster sampling

from September to December 2005. Diagnosis criteria of AR were that of ARIA (Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma).  Results Totally 26 197 questionnaires were completed. The prevalence rate of AR in western areas of China was 34.31%

32.30%

34.33%

37.90%

30.32% respectively in Chongqing

Chengdu

Urumchi and Nanning. The difference of prevalence rate between male (36.35%) and female (35.68%) was statistically insignificant. According to the classification criteria of ARIA in 2001

30.47% suffered from intermittent AR; 69.53% suffered from persistent AR; 8.77% were mild cases and 91.23% were moderate-to-severe cases. According to the classification criteria of Haikou in 1997

14.43% suffered from seasonal AR. More morbility was in September

March and August. Main motivations were common cold

weather change

dirt and pungent gas.  Conclusion The prevalence rate of AR in western areas of China is high. Most of AR is moderate-to-severe persistent AR and perennial AR.