EUFOREA meeting on defining disease states in allergic rhinitis

About 30% of the European population is affected by AR, an inflammatory disorder of the nasal lining that is caused by a reaction to various allergens. AR severity ranges from a minor nuisance to a condition which significantly reduces QoL, work and school attendance and performance. Furthermore, AR is a risk factor for several comorbidities, including allergic asthma. AR and asthma share a common pathology, based on Th2-inflammation, also relevant to other co-morbid conditions including chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP).

In light of evolving knowledge and treatment options, there is a growing necessity to (re)define fundamental terms across the diverse specialities engaged in AR management. These should facilitate communication between physicians and patients regarding therapeutic options and treatment goals. In the same context, the chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) expert panel members of the European Forum for Research and Education in Allergy and Airway Disease (EUFOREA) have defined disease states in chronic rhinosinusitis, giving rise to the adoption of remission within the treatment goals of CRSwNP.