The relationship between allergy and chronic rhinosinusitis.

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current evidence regarding a relationship between chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) and allergy.

METHODS: Literature review.

RESULTS: Despite frequent assumption of an association between CRS and allergy the relationship between these entities remains poorly defined. Certain CRS entities, however, have demonstrated a strong association with allergy-namely allergic fungal rhinosinusitis and central compartment atopic disease.

CONCLUSION: Studies are heterogeneous and largely retrospective in design with inconclusive evidence for an association between CRS and allergy. Knowledge of CRS endotypes is important in order to understand which entities may or may not be associated with allergy. Level of Evidence: 5.