Allergic rhinitis — the 'united airway disease' concept links it to which lower airway condition, and the inflammatory cells shared by both are:

• A COPD; neutrophils and macrophages
• B Asthma; eosinophils and mast cells in a Type 2 inflammatory cascade ✓
• C Bronchiectasis; CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes
• D Pulmonary fibrosis; fibroblasts and myofibroblasts

Explanation

The 'one airway, one disease' concept links allergic rhinitis and asthma as manifestations of the same Type 2 eosinophilic inflammation involving the entire respiratory mucosa. Both share IgE-mediated sensitisation, eosinophilic infiltration, mast cell degranulation, IL-4/IL-5/IL-13 cytokines, and allergen-driven inflammation. Treating allergic rhinitis (especially with allergen immunotherapy) reduces asthma exacerbations, and ARIA guidelines now recommend integrated treatment of both conditions.

Reference: Dhingra Diseases of Ear, Nose and Throat, 7th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.