Treating allergic rhinitis and asthma: different sides of the same fence

Allergic asthma and rhinitis are highly prevalent diseases. Although they are diagnosed and treated separately, many patients suffer from both. There is data suggesting that they can be considered as manifestations of the same disease or syndrome, but in different locations. This article discusses the evidence favouring a joint clinical approach, and the main therapeutic tactics to achieve disease control; tries to establish the importance of isolated and adjuvant treatment of rhinitis and asthma, highlighting a small number of clinical studies regarding the subject; and indicates points for future research.