The WHO ARIA (allergic rhinitis and its impact on asthma) initiative

The ARIA working group, in collaboration with the WHO in Geneva, recently published a state-of-the-art review and recommendations derived from it on the link between rhinitis and asthma. Rhinitis is the most frequent manifestation of allergic disease in humans and is often linked to other atopic diseases such as food allergy, atopic dermatitis or asthma, and may furthermore have an impact on the sinuses. ARIA focuses on one of the most important of the mentioned issues, the link between upper and lower airways in allergic disease. To facilitate understanding between the otorhinolaryngologist and the pulmonologist, the classification of rhinitis has been adapted to that of asthma, and the terms 'intermittent' and 'persistent' allergic rhinitis have been introduced. Elaborate guidelines for the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of disease are provided, and detailed recommendations for the management of rhinitis and asthma are suggested with a special focus on specific immunotherapy.