Does rhinitis lead to asthma? Evidence for the one-airway hypothesis.

The link between upper airway disease (allergic rhinitis) and lower airway disease (asthma) has long been of interest to physicians. Recently, extensive research has established that epidemiologic and therapeutic links exist between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Other recent evidence has provided a better understanding of the pathophysiologic interrelationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma. Such information has had an impact on the management of these disorders, including treatment and prophylaxis.