The FDA has approved the subcutaneously injected monoclonal antibody dupilumab (Dupixent – Sanofi/Regeneron) for add-on maintenance treatment of patients ≥12 years old with moderate to severe asthma with an eosinophilic phenotype or with oral corticosteroid-dependent asthma. Dupilumab was approved earlier to treat adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis inadequately controlled with topical therapies.

The FDA has approved the marketing of the Alair Bronchial Thermoplasty System (Asthmatx) for treatment of severe persistent asthma in patients ≥18 years old whose asthma is not well controlled with inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting beta₂-agonists.

The goal of asthma treatment is to control symptoms, prevent exacerbations, and maintain normal lung function. Management of acute exacerbations in the emergency department is not discussed here.

Initial treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) depends on the severity of symptoms and whether they are intermittent or persistent (see Table 1).