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Preventing Progression of Allergic Rhinitis to Asthma

  • RHINITIS (JJ OPPENHEIMER AND J CORREN, SECTION EDITORS)
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Abstract

The prevalence of allergic rhinitis (AR) is on the increase and this condition is frequently associated with asthma, thus leading to the concept that these two conditions are different aspects of the same disease. There is now accumulating evidence that AR often precedes the onset of asthmatic symptoms. This notion has important implications, not only for the diagnosis and management of these common allergic conditions but also for the potential progression of disease. Very little is known about the risk factors responsible for the progression of AR to asthma; current treatment options can control symptoms but do not prevent or cure the disease. However, there are recent data supporting the notion that it is possible to prevent new asthma cases by modifying the immune response and clinical outcome with allergen immunotherapy. This review article evaluates the impact of AR on the development of asthma, examines putative predictors for the progression of AR to asthma, and reviews recent, promising literature suggesting that early treatment of allergic individuals with immunotherapy may aid in asthma prevention.

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Acknowledgments

Riccardo Polosa is full professor of internal medicine with tenure and is supported by the University of Catania, Italy.

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Conflict of Interest

Jaymin B. Morjaria has received honoraria for speaking and financial support to attend meetings/advisory boards from Wyeth, Chiesi, Pfizer, Merck Sharp & Dohme, Boehringer Ingelheim, Teva, GlaxoSmithKline/Allen & Hanburys, Napp, Almirall, and Novartis.

Riccardo Polosa has received grant support from CV Therapeutics, NeuroSearch A/S, Sandoz, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Boehringer Ingelheim; has served as a speaker for CV Therapeutics, Novartis, Merck Sharp & Dohme, and Roche; has served as a consultant for CV Therapeutics, Duska Therapeutics, Neuro-Search A/S, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Forest Laboratories; and has received payment for developing educational presentations from Merck Sharp & Dohme, Pfizer, and Novartis.

Massimo Caruso, Emma Rosalia, and Cristina Russo declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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  1. Department of Academic Respiratory Medicine, Hull York Medical School, University of Hull, Castle Hill Hospital, Castle Road, Cottingham, HU16 5JQ, UK

    Jaymin B. Morjaria

  2. UOC di Medicina Interna e Medicina d’Urgenza, Universita’ di Catania, AOU “Policlinico-V. Emanuele”, Edificio 4, Piano 3, Via S. Sofia, 78, 95123, Catania, Italy

    Massimo Caruso, Emma Rosalia, Cristina Russo & Riccardo Polosa

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  1. Jaymin B. Morjaria
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Correspondence to Riccardo Polosa.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Rhinitis

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Morjaria, J.B., Caruso, M., Rosalia, E. et al. Preventing Progression of Allergic Rhinitis to Asthma. Curr Allergy Asthma Rep 14, 412 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11882-013-0412-6

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