Asthma and Chronic Rhinosinusitis: Diagnosis and Medical Management

Abstract

Asthma is a prevalent inflammatory condition of the lower airways characterized byvariable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction, and bronchialhyperresponsiveness (BHR). Symptomatically, these patients may demonstrate wheezing,breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing. This disease is a substantial burden to a growingpopulation worldwide that currently exceeds 300 million individuals. This is a condition that isfrequently encountered, but often overlooked in the field of otolaryngology. In asthma, comorbidconditions are routinely present and contribute to respiratory symptoms, decreased quality of life,and poorer asthma control. It is associated with otolaryngic diseases of the upper airways includingallergic rhinitis (AR) and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS). These conditions have been linkedepidemiologically and pathophysiologically. Presently, they are considered in the context of theunified airway theory, which describes the upper and lower airways as a single functional unit.Thus, it is important for otolaryngologists to understand asthma and its complex relationships tocomorbid diseases, in order to provide comprehensive care to these patients. In this article, wereview key elements necessary for understanding the evaluation and management of asthma andits interrelatedness to CRS.