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Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Link

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Allergy Frontiers: Clinical Manifestations

Part of the book series: Allergy Frontiers ((ALLERGY,volume 3))

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Abstract

Airway diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea are quite common and frequently co-exist. The reasons for this relationship have not been clearly demonstrated. However, several mechanisms for the “unified airway” have been postulated involving common inflammatory and neurologic pathways. Specific associations between allergic rhinitis and asthma, allergic rhinitis and obstructive sleep apnea, and asthma and obstructive sleep apnea are reviewed in detail. Epidemiologic, pathologic, and physiologic links among the diseases as well as differences are discussed. When these diseases are present together it may be more difficult to treat one without appropriately managing the others.

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Stokes, J.R., Casale, T.B. (2009). Allergic Rhinitis, Asthma, and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: The Link. In: Pawankar, R., Holgate, S.T., Rosenwasser, L.J. (eds) Allergy Frontiers: Clinical Manifestations. Allergy Frontiers, vol 3. Springer, Tokyo. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-4-431-88317-3_8

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