Comorbidities of asthma and the unified airway.
BACKGROUND
Asthma is a comorbid condition that may be seen by otolaryngic allergists when treating their patients with allergic rhinitis (AR). Often asthma is overlooked when aggressive treatment could prevent the development or progression of early disease.


METHODS
This article is a retrospective review of the current literature on asthma as a comorbidity of the unified airway. The unified airway and asthma are clearly defined. The epidemiology, morbidity, mortality, pathophysiologic mechanisms, and the chronicity of asthma are reviewed.


RESULTS
The otolaryngic allergist will become familiar the unified airway concept and the close relationships between AR, chronic rhinosinusitis, and asthma.


CONCLUSIONS
Otolaryngologists should be aware of the unified airway in order to most effectively treat their patients with AR. Knowledge of the close relationships between asthma and AR will help prevent progression of disease, identify early asthma, and improve the outcomes and quality of life for our patients.
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Henry Ford Medical Group, Detroit, MI.|Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI.
Robert J
RJ
Stachler
D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D006801:Humans; D012137:Respiratory System / Q000276:immunology / Q000503:physiopathology; D065631:Rhinitis, Allergic / Q000453:epidemiology*
allergic rhinitis; allergy; asthma; chronic rhinosinusitis; rhinitis; unified airway