Vitamin D and chronic rhinitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To discuss the role of vitamin D in chronic rhinitis and chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

RECENT FINDINGS: Vitamin D has been shown to have an immunomodulatory effect with a significant impact on immune function. Specifically, vitamin D regulates the mechanisms which suppress the inflammatory response and direct the differentiation fate of immune cells. Vitamin D has been shown to play an important role in asthma, and the concept of the unified airway model allows the extrapolation of vitamin D as a critical player in chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis.

SUMMARY: Recent findings on the function of vitamin D may explain aspects of the pathophysiology of chronic rhinitis and CRS, and may help direct future treatment of these diseases.