Karen H. Calhoun, MD, FACS, FAAOA, Editor

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  First: Being able to assess and provide care for asthma is a convenience for our “allergic rhinitis with asthma” patients.

  
  
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  Second: More than that, however, we know that allergic rhinitis patients often have underlying bronchial hyperreactivity —and many are unaware of it. It is not uncommon for us to see, say, the patient who has gradually restricted their activity over the years without really thinking about why. Identifying and correcting their bronchial hyperreactivity or asthma can greatly improve their quality of life.

  
  
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  Third: Surveys have shown that a major factor in fatal or near-fatal reactions to testing or subcutaneous immunotherapy is asthma. Selecting our airway-reactive patients for additional pulmonary treatment before testing safeguards our patients—and us!

The articles in this issue are written by experts who are clinically active in asthma care. I think you will find them concise and clear. And I hope they help in your pursuit of excellence in patient care.