[Rhinitis and sinusitis: influence on asthma and COPD].

Basing on epidemiology, pathophysiology and clinical manifestations we can show an important correlation between rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Prevalence of allergic rhinitis in childhood is an early manifestation of atopy. It is estimated that allergic rhinitis occurs in about 60% of patients before the onset or simultaneously with bronchial asthma. The epidemiologic, etiopathogenetic and clinical data demonstrate that the upper and lower airways are one system, which, in the case of allergic inflammation induces common mechanisms intensifying and maintaining this process. There is no doubt that allergic rhinitis is a risk factor of asthma development. Early diagnosis, treatment and prophylaxis should involve both the upper and lower airways. Coexistence of sinusitis and nasal polyps is another factor causing bronchial hyperreactivity and asthma symptoms.