[Rhino-bronchial syndrome]

Abstract

A close anatomical and functional relationship between superior and inferior airways is well documented. A typical example is offered by the close relationship between allergic rhinitis and asthma whose close connection is documented by epidemiological and pathological data. The mechanisms which can explain this phenomenon are not fully known but naso-bronchial reflexes, mouth-breathing due to nasal obstruction and aspiration of nasal secretions seem all to be important. Moreover it has been recently proved that the treatment of rhinitis can improve the concomitant asthma thus confirming their relationship. Another less frequent association is between sinusitis and asthma. Such a connection seems to be frequent in patients suffering of atopic rhinitis but also in patients presenting a nasal obstruction of different nature such as deviations of the nasal septum, adenoid hypertrophy etc. Also in this case a correct medical or surgical treatment of sinusitis can improve asthma symptomathology. Finally a classic example of involvement of superior and inferior airways is represented by the syndrome of ASA intolerance. These patients in fact initially complain of rhinitis which afterwards is complicated by the onset of nasal polyposis and asthma which can prove clinically very severe. Nowadays, anyway, there is no evidence that the treatment of rhinitis or polypectomy can improve the clinical course of asthma. In conclusion, diseases of superior and inferior airways must be considered in strict connection and need the same global treatment.