Rhino-bronchial syndrome: A complex and interdisciplinary entity from the otorhinolaryngology perspective

The rhino-bronchial syndrome is a condition characterised by chronic rhinosinusal inflammation and simultaneous chronic pulmonary pathology (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic bronchitis). The most prominent link is between sinonasal pathology, specifically allergic rhinitis, and asthma, characterized by increased eosinophil infiltration in both the nasal and bronchial mucosa, independently of the level of allergen exposure. Chronic rhinosinusitis, especially when associated with nasal polyps, can be an important risk factor for asthmatic patients and vice-versa.

The patients with rhino-bronchial syndrome need a multidisciplinary approach by a medical team: otorhinolaryngologist, pneumologist and allergologist.