The practical clinical relevance of rhinitis classification in asthmatic children: outcomes of the "ControL'Asma" study

Asthma and rhinitis may share pathogenic mechanisms, and extensive investigation has been devoted to exploring their reciprocal impact. A recent prospective study investigated the prevalence of rhinitis and its phenotypes, symptom severity, and medication use in 619 children with asthma. Rhinitis was found to be a common asthma comorbidity (93.5%) and was refractory to standard rhinitis medications. Perennial allergic rhinitis with seasonal exacerbation caused by poly-allergy was common (34.2%), mostly severe, and often associated with difficult-to-control asthma. In line with previous evidence, the study concluded that poly-allergy should be considered a significant risk factor for poor control of asthma.