The term ‘united airways’, or ‘united airways disease’ is used to describe the concept of an airway that extends from the tip of the nose to the depths of the lungs. The mucous membrane lining the nasopharynx and the bronchial tree is similar, and inflammation of the membrane causes allergic rhinitis and asthma. About three quarters of people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis, and at least a thirds of people with allergic rhinitis also have asthma. (WAO)
It is therefore important to consider the airway as a whole and think of allergic rhinitis and asthma under the same ’disease umbrella’. The concept of united airways disease impacts on treatment of both asthma and allergic rhinitis. If a person with asthma has allergic rhinitis that is untreated, it is unlikely that they will be able to control their asthma symptoms with their asthma medication. The inflammation in the whole airway needs to be controlled.