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Otorinolaringologia 2008 March;58(1):31-40

Copyright © 2008 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Diagnosis and management of asthma in patients with allergic rhinitis

Krouse J. H.

Unit of Rhinology and Allergy Department of Otolaryngology Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA

The model of the unified airway emphasizes that asthma and allergic rhinitis are common inflammatory conditions of the respiratory tract that often coexist. Otolaryngologists frequently manage patients with upper respiratory illnesses, and should consider the possible presence of asthma among their patients with allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngologists should appreciate this common comorbidity, and become familiar with the diagnosis and classification of asthma, its objective testing modalities, classes of medications used for treatment, and current management guidelines. Otolaryngologists occupy a critical position in the evaluation of patients with respiratory disease, and can work as major agents in implementing effective, comprehensive management of upper and lower respiratory illnesses.