• E O Meltzer.
• Allergy and Asthma Medical Group and Research Center, San Diego, California 92123, USA.
• Ann. Allergy Asthma Immunol. 2000 Feb 1; 84 (2): 176-85; quiz 185-7.

ObjectiveThis review focuses on the shared pathophysiology of asthma and allergic rhinitis. The similarities illustrate the "one linked airway disease" concept, a unifying theory of these upper and lower airway inflammatory disorders. Since leukotrienes are mediators in both conditions, studies have been performed to assess the potential therapeutic role of cysteinyl leukotriene antagonists. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the accumulating data concerning these agents in treating asthma and allergic rhinitis.Data SourcesRelevant publications obtained from a literature review.Study SelectionRelevant publications on the topics of leukotrienes, leukotriene receptor antagonists, asthma, and allergic rhinitis were critically evaluated.Results And ConclusionsStudies to date have documented the efficacy of cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonists for asthma. The pathophysiology of allergic rhinitis and its similarities to asthma suggest that these agents could play a significant therapeutic role in managing this upper airway disorder. Because the leukotriene antagonists are oral agents, they may be valuable in treating not only either condition but also both at the same time when they coexist. They appear to be beneficial when prescribed as the initial medicine and when used in conjunction with other therapies.

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