Local allergic conjunctivitis: a phenotype of allergic conjunctivitis

JACQLQ subjective symptom questionnaire score and clinical test results for patients with allergic conjunctival disease

We investigated the relationship between subjective symptoms and objective findings in patients with allergic conjunctival diseases (ACD) and test results for tear total IgE (t-tIgE), conjunctival eosinophils (c-Eo), serum total IgE (s-tIgE), serum-antigen specific IgE (s-sIgE), and serum eosinophils (s-Eo). Subjective symptoms and objective findings of patients with ACD were evaluated using Japanese Allergic Conjunctival Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (JACQLQ), which described disability score and emotional score written by patient and clinical findings score written by ophthalmologist. We investigated the relationship between questionnaire scores and laboratory data for t-tIgE, c-Eo, s-tIgE, s-sIgE, and s-Eo. Scores of impediments to life and of moods were highest in vernal keratoconjunctivitis among ACD. Cases with positive pollen-sIgE showed significantly more nasal symptom score than those with negative pollen-sIgE (P < 0.05). Cases with positive t-tIgE or c-Eo showed significantly more objective symptoms' JACQLQ score than those with negative t-tIgE or c-Eo (P < 0.05), respectively. Cases positive for house dust/mite-sIgE, showed significantly more objective symptoms' JACQLQ score than those without for house dust/mite-sIgE (P < 0.05). These results indicate that ACD could be analyzed more accurately by the combination of JACQLQ and laboratory data.

A nerve-goblet cell association promotes allergic conjunctivitis through rapid antigen passage

The penetration of allergens through the epithelial layer is the initial step in the development of allergic conjunctivitis. Although pollinosis patients manifest symptoms within minutes after pollen exposure, the mechanisms of the rapid transport of the allergens remain unclear. In the present study, we found that the instillation of pollen shells rapidly induces a large number of goblet cell-associated antigen passages (GAPs) in the conjunctiva. Antigen acquisition by stromal cells, including macrophages and CD11b+ dendritic cells, correlated with surface GAP formation. Furthermore, a substantial amount of antigen was transported to the stroma during the first 10 minutes of pollen exposure, which was sufficient for the full induction of an allergic conjunctivitis mouse model. This inducible, rapid GAP formation and antigen acquisition were suppressed by topical lidocaine or trigeminal nerve ablation, indicating that the sensory nervous system plays an essential role. Interestingly, pollen shell-stimulated GAP formation was not suppressed by topical atropine, suggesting that the conjunctival GAPs and intestinal GAPs are differentially regulated. These results identify pollen shell-induced GAP as a therapeutic target for allergic conjunctivitis.

Local Allergen-Specific IgE Production in Turbinate Tissue of Pediatric Patients

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this study is to compare serum allergen-specific IgE to IgE levels in nasal tissue taken from the inferior turbinates of pediatric patients undergoing turbinate reduction.

METHODS

Twenty-six pediatric patients were recruited at the time of turbinate reduction surgery. At the time of recruitment, parents of patients completed the validated 22 item Sinonasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) to describe symptoms prior to surgery. A sample of turbinate tissue was taken during turbinate reduction and blood was collected. Tissue and serum IgE were measured and differences in the group characteristics were evaluated using Chi-square tests for binary variables and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests for continuous variables. Student's t test was used to assess differences in means of total SNOT-22 scoring between the groups, and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used again for the rest of the SNOT-22 analysis.

RESULTS

Levels of IgE in the serum were compared to levels in the turbinate tissue from all patients for each individual allergen. Every allergen except Alternaria displayed significant correlation between the serum and turbinate IgE levels. Additionally, each allergen except Alternaria and oak tree resulted in a strong correlation (r > .7) based on the correlation coefficients. Levels of Alternaria were found to be poorly correlative between serum and turbinate tissue, and significance was not achieved (r = -.346, P = .11).

CONCLUSION

Certain allergen-specific IgE antibodies in the nasal mucosa seem to be highly associated with those in the serum, based upon the significant correlations we found between the two.

Development of an Allergic Rhinitis Diagnosis Application Using the Total Tear IgE Detection Kit for Examining Nasal Fluid: Comparison and Combination with the Conventional Nasal Smear Examination for Eosinophils

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a type I allergic disease characterized by immunoglobulin E (IgE) -mediated hypersensitivity of the nasal mucosa. Here, we focused on a commercial test kit named Allerwatch® (AW) for the diagnosis of allergic conjunctivitis (AC) in which total tear IgE is qualitatively detected based on immunochromatography. We evaluated the usefulness of the AW test for detecting total IgE in the nasal discharge of AR and non-allergic rhinitis (non-AR) patients in comparison and combination with the conventional nasal smear examination for eosinophils. Using the AW test, total IgE in nasal fluid was detected in 64.76% of the AR patients and 11.11% of the non-AR patients, with a significant difference between the groups (p < 0.001). As compared to non-AR, the sensitivity and specificity of the detection of total IgE in nasal fluid for detecting AR were 64.76% and 88.89%, respectively. In the AR patients, house dust mites (57.1% of patients) and Japanese cedar pollen (93.3% of patients) were the major sensitizing antigens. When we considered a positive result in either of the two examinations to indicate a positive result, the rate of positivity in AR patients increased to 78.10%. As compared to non-AR, the sensitivity and specificity of the combination of both examinations for detecting AR were 78.10% and 83.33%, respectively. The AW test in the nasal cavity and the qualitative measurement of total IgE in nasal fluid may enable the detection of allergic elements in patients who present to a medical institution with nasal symptoms. In addition, the detection rate is increased when combined with the nasal smear examination for eosinophils.

Biologics for allergy: therapeutic potential for ocular allergic diseases and adverse effects on the eye

Biologics applying antibodies against IgE, IL-5, IL-5 receptor α, IL-4 receptor α, and IL-13 have dramatically improved recent treatment outcomes in allergic diseases including asthma, rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis. However, these drugs have not been approved for ocular allergic diseases such as allergic conjunctivitis, vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and atopic keratoconjunctivitis. Although the putative mechanisms suggest that these drugs should have beneficial effects in patients with ocular allergies and some studies have reported such beneficial effects, various adverse ocular symptoms have also been observed in clinical trials and off-label use studies. Since ocular allergic diseases have distinct pathogeneses, each biologic drug must be examined regarding specific effects on each ocular allergy. For example, IgE-mediated type 1 hypersensitivity plays a critical role in allergic conjunctivitis. By contrast, T cells and eosinophilic and non-IgE-mediated type 2 inflammation play important roles in vernal keratoconjunctivitis. Allergists must fully understand the effects of each drug on the eye. This review outlines both potential therapeutic and adverse effects of various biologics on allergic diseases of the eye.

Neuronal-Immune Cell Units in Allergic Inflammation in the Nose

Immune cells and immune-derived molecules, endocrine glands and hormones, the nervous system and neuro molecules form the combined tridirectional neuroimmune network, which plays a significant role in the communication pathways and regulation at the level of the whole organism and local levels, in both healthy persons and patients with allergic rhinitis based on an allergic inflammatory process. This review focuses on a new research paradigm devoted to neuronal-immune cell units, which are involved in allergic inflammation in the nose and neuroimmune control of the nasal mucociliary immunologically active epithelial barrier. The categorization, cellular sources of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, and their prevalent profiles in constituting allergen tolerance maintenance or its breakdown are discussed. Novel data on the functional structure of the nasal epithelium based on a transcriptomic technology, single-cell RNA-sequencing results, are considered in terms of neuroimmune regulation. Notably, the research of pathogenesis and therapy for atopic allergic diseases, including recently identified local forms, from the viewpoint of the tridirectional interaction of the neuroimmune network and discrete neuronal-immune cell units is at the cutting-edge.

Epithelial barrier dysfunction in ocular allergy

The epithelial barrier is the first line of defense that forms a protective barrier against pathogens, pollutants, and allergens. Epithelial barrier dysfunction has been recently implicated in the development of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, food allergy, and rhinitis. However, there is limited knowledge on epithelial barrier dysfunction in ocular allergy (OA). Since the ocular surface is directly exposed to the environment, it is important to understand the role of ocular epithelia and their dysfunction in OA. Impaired epithelial barrier enhances allergen uptake, which lead to activation of immune responses and development of chronic inflammation as seen in allergies. Abnormal expression of tight junction proteins that helps to maintain epithelial integrity has been reported in OA but sufficient data not available in chronic atopic (AKC) and vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC), the pathophysiology of which is not just complex, but also the current treatments are not completely effective. This review provides an overview of studies, which indicates the role of barrier dysfunction in OA, and highlights how ocular barrier dysfunction possibly contributes to the disease pathogenesis. The review also explores the potential of ocular epithelial barrier repair strategies as preventive and therapeutic approach.

Aqueous-Deficient Dry Eye Exacerbates Signs and Symptoms of Allergic Conjunctivitis in Mice

Dry eye disease (DED) and allergic conjunctivitis affect a large number of patients, and many patients usually have both symptoms. We investigated the interactions between DED and allergic conjunctivitis in mice. Four experimental groups were compared: control, DED, allergy, and allergy with DED. DED was induced by removing the extraorbital lacrimal glands of the mice. Allergic conjunctivitis was induced by intraperitoneal administration of ovalbumin and antigen eye drops. The early phase reaction of the allergy was evaluated using the clinical score, scratching behavior, and vascular permeability in the conjunctiva. Epithelial barrier function was assessed by an LC-biotin assay. Tear fluid volume and corneal fluorescein staining decreased in the DED and allergy with DED groups. LC-biotin penetrated the entire epithelium of both the cornea and conjunctiva in DED mice. The clinical score of the early phase reaction was higher in allergy-induced mice than in non-allergy mice. Edema of the eyelid and conjunctiva were aggravated in mice with DED. The number of scratching episodes and leakage of Evans blue into the conjunctiva were higher in allergy-induced DED mice than in control mice. The presence of aqueous-deficient dry eye caused ocular surface epithelial damage and exacerbated allergic signs and symptoms.

Total IgE in tears accurately reflects the severity and predicts the prognosis of seasonal allergic conjunctivitis

Background

Although immunoglobulin E (IgE) increases significantly in tears and serum during seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), it is unclear whether tear total IgE can reflect the severity and prognosis of SAC more accurately than serum total IgE. We aimed to investigate the usefulness of measuring the total IgE in tears to evaluate the severity and determine the treatment of SAC.

Methods

This prospective, nonrandomized study involved 55 patients with SAC and 10 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. Serum and tears were collected before and after treatment to analyze the total IgE. SAC patients received the same topical anti‐allergy treatment and were followed‐up every 2 weeks for 1 month. The relationship of tear and serum total IgE concentrations with pollen concentrations and symptom severity before and after treatment was assessed.

Results

The total IgE concentration in tears was higher in SAC patients than in healthy participants with significant correlations between tear and serum total IgE concentrations. The total IgE concentration in tears, but not in serum, correlated with the pollen concentration and severity of ocular symptoms and reactions in SAC. Treatment‐associated improvements in symptoms and reactions in SAC correlated with decreased concentrations of the tear total IgE. Patients with disease recurrence following treatment demonstrated significantly higher tear total IgE concentrations than patients with no recurrence.

Conclusion

The total tear IgE level can indicate the severity and predict the prognosis of SAC more accurately than the serum total IgE.

Relationship between allergic transfusion reactions and allergic predisposition among pediatric patients with hematological/oncological disease

BACKGROUND

Allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) manifest frequently as transfusion reactions, and their onset may be related to a patient's allergic predisposition. Moreover, although pediatric patients with hematological/oncological disease are more susceptible to ATRs, the relationship between allergic predisposition and ATRs remains to be fully clarified.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients who were diagnosed with pediatric hematological/oncological disease and received transfusion at the study institutions were included. We determined patient background information related to their allergy history, measured the levels of allergen-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) using sera obtained on diagnosis, and analyzed their associations with ATR onset.

RESULTS

Of the 363 patients analyzed, 144 developed ATRs. Multivariate analysis identified cases with high basophils in the peripheral blood, and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus- and egg white-specific IgEs were involved in the development of ATR in all age groups. Meanwhile, a history of food allergies, and positivity for Japanese cypress- and D. pteronyssinus-specific IgEs were risk factors for developing ATRs in the <5 years age group. Moreover, patients aged 5-<10 years with a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, pollinosis, or atopic dermatitis, and those aged ≥10 years with positivity for dog dander-specific IgE were at risk for developing ATRs.

CONCLUSION

The allergic constitution of patients plays a role in ATR onset even in pediatric hematological/oncological diseases. Therefore, advance confirmation of a patient's allergic constitution may partly predict the onset of ATRs. However, since multiple allergic predispositions within complex mechanisms may be involved in the onset of ATRs, further verification is required.

Neuronal FcεRIα directly mediates ocular itch via IgE-immune complex in a mouse model of allergic conjunctivitis

Background

Classical understanding of allergic conjunctivitis (ACJ) suggests that ocular itch results from a mast cell-dependent inflammatory process. However, treatments that target inflammatory mediators or immune cells are often unsatisfying in relieving the stubborn itch symptom. This suggests that additional mechanisms are responsible for ocular itch in ACJ. In this study, we aim to determine the role of neuronal FcεRIa in allergic ocular itch.

Methods

Calcium imaging was applied to observe the effect of IgE-immune complex in trigeminal neurons. Genomic FcεRIa knockout mice and adeno-associated virus (AAV) mediated sensory neuron FcεRIa knockdown mice were used in conjunction with behavioral tests to determine ocular itch. In addition, immunohistochemistry, Western blot and quantitative RT-PCR were used for in vitro experiments.

Results

We found that FcεRIα was expressed in a subpopulation of conjunctiva sensory neurons. IgE-IC directly activated trigeminal neurons and evoked acute ocular itch without detectible conjunctival inflammation. These effects were attenuated in both a global FcεRIa-knockout mice and after sensory neuronal-specific FcεRIa-knockdown in the mouse trigeminal ganglion. In an ovalbumin (OVA) induced murine ACJ model, FcεRIα was found upregulated in conjunctiva-innervating CGRP+ sensory neurons. Sensory neuronal-specific knockdown of FcεRIa significantly alleviated ocular itch in the ACJ mice without affecting the immune cell infiltration and mast cell activation in conjunctiva. Although FcεRIα mRNA expression was not increased by IgE in dissociated trigeminal ganglion neurons, FcεRIα protein level was enhanced by IgE in a cycloheximide-resistance manner, with concordant enhancement of neuronal responses to IgE-IC. In addition, incremental sensitization gradually enhanced the expression of FcεRIα in small-sized trigeminal neurons and aggravated OVA induced ocular itch.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that FcεRIα in pruriceptive neurons directly mediates IgE-IC evoked itch and plays an important role in ocular itch in a mouse model of ACJ. These findings reveal another axis of neuroimmune interaction in allergic itch condition independent to the classical IgE-mast cell pathway, and might suggest novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of pruritus in ACJ and other immune-related disorders.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12974-022-02417-x.

Pollen shells and soluble factors play non-redundant roles in the development of allergic conjunctivitis in mice

PURPOSE

We aimed to clarify the role of particulate allergen exposure to the conjunctiva in the development of allergic conjunctivitis.

METHODS

We administered ragweed pollen suspension, pollen extract, pollen shell, particulate air pollutants, and their combinations to the mouse conjunctiva five days a week without prior sensitization. Clinical signs were scored. Histological changes, cellular infiltrations, mRNA expressions, lymph node cell recall responses, and serum immunoglobulin levels were assessed. Immune cell-depleting antibodies and ST2 knockout mice were used to investigate the cellular and molecular requirements.

RESULTS

Pollen suspension, but not the extract or shell alone, induced robust eosinophilic conjunctivitis, accompanied by a proliferative response of epithelial cells. A combination of pollen extract and shell completely restored eosinophil accumulation. In addition, eosinophilic conjunctivitis was induced by a mixture of particulate air pollutants and pollen extract. Mechanistically, eosinophil accumulation was ameliorated by deficiency of the IL-33 receptor ST2 and abolished by depleting CD4⁺ T cells. Pollen shells, but not the extract, induced IL-33 release from conjunctival epithelial cells in vivo.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate the non-redundant roles for the allergens' particulate properties and soluble factors in the development of allergic conjunctivitis.

Relationship among total tear IgE, specific serum IgE, and total serum IgE levels in patients with pollen-induced allergic conjunctivitis

Background

Recently, the number of patients with pollinosis, particularly Japanese cedar pollinosis, has markedly increased. We previously reported about local allergic conjunctivitis, which is a phenotype of allergic conjunctivitis (AC). AC cases are often sensitized by various antigens. This study aimed to investigate the relationship among total tear IgE (t-tIgE), specific serum IgE (s-sIgE), and total serum IgE (t-sIgE) levels in patients with pollen-induced AC.

Methods

In 2019, 1372 patients were clinically diagnosed with AC at the Yamana Eye Clinic using t-tIgE, t-sIgE, and s-sIgE tests against 39 allergens. Among the pollen-induced AC patients who underwent allergen testing, 99 tested positives for s-sIgE against pollen. The subjects comprised 33 (33.3%) male and 66 (66.7%) female individuals aged 9–86 years.

Results

The t-tIgE test was positive in 68 (68.7%) patients and negative in 31 (31.3%) patients. In the t-sIgE test, 45 (45.5%) patients had t-sIgE levels above the reference value of 170 IU/mL. The higher the total score of the positive class value of each pollen-specific IgE (pollen-sIgE) antibody, the higher the positive rate of t-tIgE (p < 0.001). Of 32 patients in whom food-specific IgE (food-sIgE) was detected, 81.3% of the pollen-sIgE-positive and food-sIgE-positive cases were also positive for t-sIgE and t-tIgE. However, significant difference was not found between the total score of food-sIgE of the t-tIgE positive group and negative group.

Conclusions

Pollen-induced AC is caused by pollen sensitization of the conjunctiva. Food-induced AC might be induced by the different pathological mechanism involved in pollen-induced AC.

Classification of patients with esophageal eosinophilia by patterns of sensitization revealed by a diagnostic assay for multiple allergen-specific IgEs

BACKGROUND

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is considered to be an immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated allergic disorder. Our goal was to examine IgE-mediated allergic sensitization patterns in patients with esophageal eosinophilia (EE).

METHODS

We enrolled subjects with EE who underwent evaluation with a diagnostic panel to document multiple allergen-specific IgEs. Statistically significant groups were identified by cluster analysis. We also defined allergens based on their characteristics including outdoor, indoor, plant, and animal allergens.

RESULTS

We classified patients with EE into 3 distinct groups, including cluster 1 (n = 62) who were minimally sensitized to most allergens except pollen and house dust, cluster 2 (n = 30) who were hypersensitized to outdoor and plant allergens, and cluster 3 (n = 15) who were hypersensitized to most allergens, most notably to indoor and animal allergens. Dysphagia reported among those in clusters 1, 2, and 3 at 35.5%, 46.7%, and 73.3%, respectively, (p = 0.028) and EoE endoscopic reference scores (EREFS) at 3.0, 6.0, and 8.0, respectively, (p < 0.001) differed significantly between the 3 clusters. Those in cluster 3 had a significantly higher prevalence of dysphagia (35.5% vs. 73.3%, p = 0.030), and higher EREFS with respect to rings (0.3 vs. 0.9, p = 0.003) and strictures (0.0 vs. 0.13, p = 0.011) compared to those in cluster 1.

CONCLUSIONS

IgE-mediated allergic sensitization patterns are associated with clinical features of patients with EE. Use of a diagnostic panel that detects multiple allergen-specific IgEs can help to explain the heterogeneous phenotype of this patient cohort.

Comprehensive analysis of allergen-specific IgE in COPD: mite-specific IgE specifically related to the diagnosis of asthma-COPD overlap

Background

Although the relationship between allergic sensitization and increased respiratory symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been suggested, which allergen has a significant effect on COPD pathology is unclear. This study aimed to identify the specific IgE related to clinical features of COPD and the diagnosis of asthma-COPD overlap (ACO).

Methods

We recruited 76 patients with COPD and analyzed 39 IgE using panel IgE test (View Allergy 39^®). ACO was diagnosed according to the Japanese Respiratory Society Guidelines.

Results

As for perennial aeroallergens, the positivity for moth (31.5%), Candida (23.7%), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (22.4%) and house dust (22.4%), and concerning pollen, Japanese cedar (35.5%) and Japanese cypress (22.2%) exceeded 20%. Only the positivity of IgE for Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and house dust was significantly higher in ACO compared with that in non-ACO COPD. Moreover, it contributed to the diagnosis of ACO in an IgE class-dependent manner. Patients with cockroach IgE exhibited higher residual volume, whereas those with Japanese cedar IgE exhibited better diffusion capacity than negative patients. The contribution for ACO diagnosis by the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was comparable among total IgE (cutoff value: 158 IU/mL), blood eosinophil count (234/μL), and fraction of exhaled nitric oxide (31.0 ppb).

Conclusions

The prominent role of mite-specific IgE in the diagnosis and pathology of ACO and the potentially detrimental effect of cockroach sensitization on air trapping in COPD were suggested. The finding highlights the future development of a treatment targeting IgE as a treatable trait in COPD.

The Role of Th17 Cells and IL-17 in Th2 Immune Responses of Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) is a common allergic disease that is often associated with the onset of rhinitis or asthma. The incidence of AC has increased significantly in recent years possibly due to air pollution and climate warming. AC seriously affects patients' quality of life and work efficiency. Th (T-helper) 2 immune responses and type I hypersensitivity reactions are generally considered the basis of occurrence of AC. It has been found that new subpopulations of T-helper cells, Th17 cells that produce interleukin-17 (IL-17), play an important role in the Th2-mediated pathogenesis of conjunctivitis. Studies have shown that Th17 cells are involved in a variety of immune inflammation, including psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, and asthma. However, the role of Th17 and IL-17 in AC is unclear. This paper will focus on how T-helper 17 cells and interleukin-17 are activated in the Th2 immune response of allergic conjunctivitis and how they promote the Th2 immune response of AC.

Allergen Immunotherapy for Local Respiratory Allergy

PURPOSE OF REVIESW

Local respiratory allergy (LRA) is an eosinophilic phenotype of chronic airway disease. Three entities have been described within the LRA spectrum: local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and local allergic asthma (LAA) in non-atopic patients, and dual allergic rhinitis (DAR) in atopic patients (coexistence of LAR and allergic rhinitis). In this article, we aim to review the current evidence on the therapeutic options for LRA.

RECENT FINDINGS

No controlled study has assessed the effect of standard therapy (oral antihistamines, intranasal or inhaled corticosteroids, bronchodilators) in LRA subjects. Three randomized clinical trials and one observational study demonstrated that allergen immunotherapy (AIT) is able to control nasal and ocular symptoms, decrease the need for rescue medication, and improve quality of life in LAR individuals. Nasal or inhaled steroids can be expected to improve eosinophilic inflammation in LRA patients but cannot change the natural course of the disease. Moreover, the long-term and disease-modifying effects of AIT in LRA subjects need to be investigated.

How to Diagnose and Treat Local Allergic Rhinitis: A Challenge for Clinicians

Chronic rhinitis is a very common disease that can be divided in various phenotypes. Historically, the condition has been classified into the allergic rhinitis (AR) and non-allergic non-infectious rhinitis (NAR) forms, based on the results of the classical biomarkers of atopy: skin prick test and serum allergen-specific IgE However, this classification does not reflect the complexity of the rhinitis syndrome, as illustrated by the existence of non-atopic rhinitis patients who display a nasal reactivity to environmental allergens. This new phenotype has been termed local allergic rhinitis (LAR) and can be only recognized if an additional test such as the nasal allergen challenge (NAC) is integrated in the diagnostic algorithm for chronic rhinitis. Recent data shows that the NAC is a very safe and reliable technique ready for the clinical practice. LAR is a differentiated rhinitis phenotype which often commences during childhood and quickly progresses towards a clinical worsening and the association of comorbidities in other mucosal organs. Recent evidence supports the existence of a bronchial counterpart of LAR (local allergic asthma), which highlights the pathophysiological links between the upper and lower airways and reinforces the united airways concept. Importantly, several controlled studies have demonstrated the ability of allergen immunotherapy to control LAR symptoms while the therapy is being administered. This review emphasizes the need to implement the NAC in the clinical practice in order to facilitate the recognition of LAR patients, allowing for an early prescription of specific therapies with disease-modifying potential.