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DrGreene Content
Many people underestimate the impact of nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis. While only about 16% of those with allergies go on to develop asthma (as compared to 1% in the general population), 80% to 90% of people with asthma develop allergies first or at the same time. These allergies may be seasonal (e.g. to pollens) or year round (e.g. to dust). This has led to the World Health Organization (WHO) Initiative on Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). They are trying to get the word out that properly treating allergies from the very beginning can be very effective at preventing asthma. Don't settle for just treating the symptoms! And for those children who already have asthma -- it may not be too late. Properly treating the nasal allergies might still have a big impact on the course of their asthma.
Alan Greene MD FAAP
Originally published: November 26, 2001
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