Improving outcomes for asthma patients with allergic rhinitis: the MetaForum conferences

Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases worldwide, affecting an estimated 300 million people around the globe [1]. The cause of one of every 250 deaths annually, asthma is also associated with high costs both economically and socially in terms of reduced quality of life and of missed work days and school days for patients and their families [1,2]. A large percentage of children and adults with asthma also have allergic rhinitis. The reported lifetime prevalence of allergic rhinitis among adults with asthma ranges from 50% to 100%, varying by study design and geographic locale [3]. While allergic rhinitis is not a life-threatening disease, its toll on quality of life, sleep, and daily functioning is well documented [4-7].