Desensitization reduces some COVID-19-associated symptoms in minors with allergic rhinitis

OBJECTIVE: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the symptoms following COVID-19 infection among pediatric and adult allergic rhinitis (AR) patients undergoing different treatment regimens—specifically sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) versus conventional pharmacological treatment. METHODS: A total of 398 patients diagnosed with AR were included from the clinical database and categorized according to treatment type: an SLIT group (AR-S), further stratified into AR-S1 (< 18 years) and AR-S2 (≥ 18 years), and a control group (AR-C). Between December 2022 and February 2023, data on respiratory and general symptoms following SARS-CoV-2 infection were collected and compared across groups. RESULTS: The AR-S1 group may be associated with a reduced risk of symptoms after infection including dry throat (OR = 0.373, 95%Cl:0.184–0.755), headache (OR = 0.385, 95%Cl:0.196–0.758), fatigue (OR = 0.376, 95%Cl:0.188–0.751), chest tightness (OR = 0.160, 95%Cl:0.049–0.522), and some symptoms after improvement of infection (cough, fatigue). CONCLUSION: Minor AR patients with SLIT can reduce some of the symptoms in COVID-19-infected patients. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-025-11743-3.