Allergic Rhinitis, Rhinosinusitis, and Asthma: Connections Across the Unified Airway

The upper and lower airways are referred to as a single, integrated entity in the unified airway paradigm. When an allergen exposure occurs, the body responds locally and systemically, causing inflammation in other respiratory sites. As a result, asthmatic lower airway inflammation frequently coexists with upper airway inflammation, such as allergic rhinitis. Otolaryngologists are in a unique position to detect undiagnosed lower airway illness, start the proper therapy, and improve patient outcomes since they regularly encounter patients with upper airway problems.