Role for cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist therapy in asthma and their potential role in allergic rhinitis based on the concept of "one linked airway disease".
OBJECTIVE
This review focuses on the shared pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The similarities illustrate the "one linked airway disease" concept, a unifying theory of these upper and lower airway inflammatory disorders. Since leukotrienes are mediators in both conditions, studies have been performed to assess the potential therapeutic role of cysteinyl leukotriene antagonists. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the accumulating data concerning these agents in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis.


METHODS
Relevant publications obtained from a literature review.


METHODS
Relevant publications on the topics of leukotrienes, leukotriene receptor antagonists, asthma, and allergic rhinitis were critically evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
Studies to date have documented the efficacy of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists for asthma. The pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and its similarities to asthma suggest that these agents could play a significant therapeutic role in managing this upper airway disorder. Because the leukotriene antagonists are oral agents, they may be valuable in treating not only either condition but also both at the same time when they coexist. They appear to be beneficial when prescribed as the initial medicine and when used in conjunction with other therapies.
Meltzer
E O
EO
Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center, San Diego, California 92123, USA.
D001249:Asthma / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007211:Indoles; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D018077:Receptors, Leukotriene; D012221:Rhinitis, Allergic, Perennial / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006255:Rhinitis, Allergic, Seasonal / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013449:Sulfonamides; D014105:Tosyl Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use
D007211:Indoles; D020024:Leukotriene Antagonists; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D048448:Phenylcarbamates; D018077:Receptors, Leukotriene; D013449:Sulfonamides; D014105:Tosyl Compounds; C412375:cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 2; C083169:leukotriene D4 receptor; C062735:zafirlukast