Review article

One-Airway Concept – Therapeutic Implications

Neven Tudorić ; KB Dubrava

Abstract

The one-airway concept is based on 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 of asthma and rhinitis, the main components of this syndrome, is very similar and there are also numerous histopathological proofs of similarity between chronic rhinitis and sinusitis, and these entities and asthma. This knowledge and the clinical experience to date require the use of diagnostic procedures to confirm upper and lower respiratory diseases regardless of rhinitis or asthma symptoms. Consequently, maximum therapeutic eff ects in the majority of patients will be achieved only if both respiratory levels are treated. Modern treatment is based on effi cient anti-inflammatory therapy on both levels, in particular with intranasal and inhalation corticosteroids and antileukotrienes. In well defined patient subgroups, specifi c immunotherapy (SIT) and use of anti-IgE antibodies may prove to be an optimal therapy. The knowledge of complex pathophysiological connections between upper and lower airways provides a platform for development of new medicinal products whose effects would be based on modifying interactions between target organs, nasal mucosa and airways and bone marrow.

Keywords

allergic rhinitis; asthma; pathophysiology; treatment

Hrčak ID:

111746

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/111746

Publication date:

5.11.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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