Review article

United Airways Disease – The Link between Allergic Rhinitis and Asthma

Neven Tudorić ; KB Dubrava
Zinka Matković ; KB Dubrava
Nevenka Piskač-Živković ; KB Dubrava

Abstract

Allergic rhinitis and asthma are two manifestations of the united airways disease. These clinical entities are characterized by strong epidemiological links, similar genetic and environmental risk factors and the fact that allergic rhinitis is a direct risk factor for asthma development. The immunopathology is almost identical in both asthma and rhinitis, and there is also strong histopathological evidence of similarity between chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, as well as between these two entities and asthma. The united airways disease concept has direct diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Diagnostic implications refer to the use of diagnostic procedures to diagnose upper and lower respiratory system diseases, irrespective of rhinitis or asthma symptoms. Therapeutic implications refer to treatment on both levels in order to achieve maximum therapeutic effects. However, a significant progress in understanding of the united airways disease has not resulted in any major therapeutic improvements. The contemporary treatment is based on the administration of an efficient anti-inflammatory therapy on both levels, in particular on the administration of intranasal and inhaled corticosteroids. Some patients may benefit from antileukotrienes and specific immunotherapy. Any future therapeutic measures may be based on modifying interactions between target organs, nasal mucosa and airways, and bone marrow.

Keywords

allergic rhinitis; asthma; pathophysiology; treatment

Hrčak ID:

81087

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/81087

Publication date:

19.12.2011.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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