How should one treat allergic rhinitis in a patient with concomitant asthma?
Allergic rhinits is frequently associated with asthma and often acts as a trigger for exacerbations of the disease. Mild, infrequent episodes may need treatment with only need-based antihistamines and at times, decongestants. When symptoms become frequent and persistent, regular topical anti-inflammatory agents are required such as nasal cromoglycate or nasal steroids. Nasal steroids are the most effective way of managing chronic allergic rhinitis. In the presence of nasal polyposis, these agents (in higher doses) can even reduce the polyp size and avoid surgery in many patients.
