Association of asthma and rhinitis in children

In children, rhinitis, which is common in asthma, may be associated with poor asthma control. The aim of our study was to investigate the prevalence of rhinitis in asthmatic children and its relationship with asthma control.This prospective study involved 113 asthmatic children followed over 12 months. The mean age was 8.5 years and the gender-ratio was 1.09. Allergic rhinitis was associated with asthma in 48% of cases, mild in 25%, moderate to severe in 24%, intermittent in 44% and persistent in 66%. Asthma control was good (47%), fair (25%) and poor (27%). Significant factors in asthma non-control were association with severe AR, allergen exposure, poor compliance, lack of education, etc. Sinusitis, allergic conjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis were significantly more frequent when asthma was associated with rhinitis. The combination of asthma and rhinitis reduces asthma control and increases other manifestations of atopy. A multidisciplinary approach involving paediatricians and ENT specialists is therefore essential.