Diagnosis and Management of Allergic Rhinitis in Asthmatic Children

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common upper airways inflammatory condition especially in paediatric population; its burden potentially impacts on quality of life, quality of sleep and daily performance, which can be difficult to perceive but not less relevant in the middle-long term. The present review aims to provide an updated overview on AR epidemiology, diagnosis and with a special focus on its connections with bronchial asthma. In fact, when considering asthmatic pediatric population, AR is probably the most important risk factor for asthma onset and the most impactful extra-bronchial determinant of asthma control. Under this perspective, allergen immunotherapy (AIT) should always be considered in the light of a precision medicine approach. In fact, AIT does represent a unique opportunity to specifically interfere with AR immunological background, improve both AR and bronchial asthma control and prevent allergic disease evolution. Verifying the patient's eligibility to that option should be considered as a priority for every physician managing children suffering from AR, especially when associated with bronchial asthma.

Automated summary

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common inflammatory condition in the upper airways, particularly in children. It has a potential impact on quality of life, sleep, and daily performance, which are important in the long term. This review provides an updated overview of AR epidemiology, diagnosis, and its connection with bronchial asthma. AR is a significant risk factor for asthma onset and plays a crucial role in asthma control in pediatric population. Allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is a precision medicine approach that can improve AR and bronchial asthma control, and prevent the progression of allergic diseases. Evaluating the eligibility for AIT should be a priority for physicians managing children with AR, especially when combined with bronchial asthma.