[The influence of allergic rhinitis on asthma].

Allergic rhinitis presents as intermittent or persistent nasal symptoms with sneeze, blockage and secretions. Rhinitis affects more that 20% of the population and is more frequent in younger persons. Allergic rhinitis influences all aspects of quality of life, school performance and work. Most asthmatics suffer from rhinitis and many rhinitis patients suffer from asthma. Patients with rhinitis should be evaluated for asthma and patients with asthma should be evaluated for rhinitis. A combined strategy should be applied in the treatment of upper and lower airways.