Inflammatory Factors in Allergic Rhinitis: A 20‐Year Bibliometric Mapping and Emerging Trends

ABSTRACT

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is driven by a network of inflammatory mediators released by mast cells, eosinophils and T lymphocytes. Although the AR literature has expanded markedly, a field‐specific scientometric synthesis centered on inflammatory mediators over the last two decades is lacking. To systematically visualize global research on inflammatory mediators in allergic rhinitis from 2004 to 2024, identifying key contributors, collaboration patterns and emerging hotspots. Publications were extracted from Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) using the search terms ‘inflammation’ or ‘inflammatory factors’ or ‘innate inflammatory response’ from 2004 to 2024, confined to research articles. Following the screening process, 247 publications were excluded as they were not eligible. The remaining 4043 qualified records were extracted with their full bibliographic details and references. Using CiteSpace, VOSviewer and Scimago Graphica, we analysed current progress and emerging trends in AR research. Publications increased overall from 2004 to 2024. China and the United States led output. High‐frequency terms highlighted ‘cytokines’, ‘histamine’ and ‘TNF‐α’. Emerging hotspots included ‘gut microbiota’ and ‘food allergy’. Citation concentration analyses showed a dual‐core journal structure (Allergy and The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology), a multicenter institutional pattern, and broad geographic dispersion. Bibliometric analysis revealed significant involvement of multiple inflammatory factors in allergic rhinitis pathogenesis. The study examined publication timelines, international collaborations, contributing institutions and current research trends. Future investigations will likely prioritize personalized immunotherapy and molecular mechanism exploration.