Remission and meaningful outcomes in chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis

In this review, we evaluate remission and related meaningful outcomes in chronic rhinitis and rhinosinusitis, with a particular focus on chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps. We summarize current conceptual frameworks that distinguish treatment response, disease control, and remission, emphasizing durability, the absence of clinically relevant disease activity, and freedom from escalation, such as systemic corticosteroids or surgery. Real-world studies of biologic therapy in chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps demonstrate that remission is achievable in a subset of patients, although reported rates vary widely because of heterogeneous definitions and predominantly observational evidence. The objective assessment of disease activity remains central to remission evaluation and currently relies on nasal endoscopy. We further discuss the clinical implications of remission for long-term disease management, patient-centered care, and cautious consideration of treatment maintenance and de-escalation strategies. In contrast, remission in allergic rhinitis remains conceptually appealing but is insufficiently operationalized, as existing outcome measures primarily capture symptom control and sustained benefit rather than stable disease inactivity. Overall, remission represents a promising but evolving treatment goal in upper airway disease that requires standardized definitions, prospective validation, and dedicated research across pharmacologic and surgical treatment modalities.