[Allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma].

Allergic rhinitis causes major illness and disability worldwide, but it is still underdiagnosed and undertreated. Allergic rhinitis is a risk factor for both the development and for exacerbations of asthma. Up to 30% of patients with rhinitis suffer from asthma, and the majority of patients with asthma suffer from rhinitis. Measurements of allergic status can help to identify risk factors that cause asthma. Hence, the Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA) initiative recommends that the presence of asthma must be considered in all patients with rhinitis, and that in planning treatment, both should be considered together in terms of efficacy and safety. Treatment of rhinitis may improve asthma symptoms. Due to new studies and diagnostic techniques the ARIA guidelines, initially formed in 1999, were recently updated. They are intended for specialists, general physicians and health care providers in order to increase the knowledge on allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma and to provide evidence-based revision on the diagnostic methods, treatments and a stepwise approach to management. There is a need for a collaborative effort of all specialists and primary physicians involved in the treatment of rhinitis and asthma for the proper implementation of the guidelines.