Harefuah
-
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. ⋯ 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.