Bibliometric analysis of the association between air pollution and allergic rhinitis

Geng Z, Ma Y, Qi X. Glob Health Action. 2025 Dec;18(1):2547434. doi: 10.1080/16549716.2025.2547434.

Abstract

Background: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is an increasingly prominent global public health issue, where air pollution significantly contributes to its rising incidence. Although numerous studies have explored the link between air pollution and AR pathogenesis, comprehensive summaries are still limited.

Objective: This study performs a bibliometric analysis to identify research hotspots and emerging trends, offering insights into AR prevention and management.

Methods: Literature related to on air pollution and AR was retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Visualization tools, including VOSviewer, CiteSpace, and Bibliometrix R, were utilized to analyze contributions by countries, institutions, authors, journals, and keywords, with the aim of predicting future research trends.

Number of global publications related to air pollution
and allergic rhinitis

Results: A total of 4,020 authors, 1,368 institutions, and 75 countries contributed to 753 publications. The United States leads in research contributions, while China has shown rapid growth since 2012.

Prominent authors include Deng Qihong and Lu Chan have made significant contributions. Keyword analysis revealed five major clusters: Asthma and Allergic Diseases, Environmental Factors, Climate Change and Exposures, Epidemiology and Risk Factors, and Population-Specific Research. Key topics covered include atopy, childhood asthma, climate change, pollution exposure, and air pollutants.

Conclusion: This first bibliometric analysis of air pollution and AR highlights a strong link between air pollution and AR pathogenesis. Enhanced environmental controls and air quality monitoring are essential for AR prevention. However, the complex composition of air pollutants presents challenges in elucidating specific mechanisms.

Plain language summary

Main findings: Air pollutant exposure has been identified as a significant risk factor contributing to the progressive rise in allergic rhinitis prevalence. As the first bibliometric analysis of the air pollution-Allergic rhinitis relationship, it shows contributions and theme evolution, enriching the research framework. Added knowledge: Our study identified 75 countries, 4,020 authors, and 1,368 institutions’ global participation, with the US and China leading. Research grew notably from 2005-2011 and after 2010, and five keyword clusters clarified research focuses.Global health impact for policy and action: It also proves environmental governance and air quality monitoring are crucial for Allergic rhinitis prevention, with European strategies as models for global policy-making to relieve Allergic rhinitis epidemic pressure.

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