title: Current thinking on the relationship between rhinosinusitis and asthma.
abstract: An observation made initially on clinical grounds and epidemiologic evidence, i.e., that rhinosinusitis and asthma are closely linked diseases is now supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Most recent evidence supports the characterization of rhinosinusitis and asthma as two compartmental expressions of a common mucosal susceptibility to exogenous stimuli. In addition, there is evidence that the compartmental processes can affect and amplify each other via a systemic intermediary. The bone marrow is involved in this process, and IL-5 may be a key cytokine for orchestrating the systemic interaction. These facts argue that rhinosinusitis and asthma are not simply localized disease processes but part of a systemic inflammatory disease affecting the respiratory tract. They also provide a compelling rationale for combined treatment strategies with consideration of the treatment of rhinosinusitis as a means of improving asthma control and monitoring for signs of bronchial involvement in those with rhinosinusitis.
authors.affiliation: Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
authors.forename: Alpa Laheri
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Jani
authors.forename: Daniel L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Hamilos
mesh_terms: D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000503:physiopathology; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000503:physiopathology; D012220:Rhinitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012852:Sinusitis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology