Objetivou-se avaliar a prevalência e associação de asma e rinite. Trata-se de estudo transversal envolvendo 3.015 adolescentes de 13-14 anos de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil, de escolas públicas e privadas, utilizando-se o protocolo do International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), em 2006/2007. A prevalência de asma foi 22,6%; de rinite, 43,2% e de rinoconjuntivite, 18,7%, predominando no sexo feminino (p = 0,002, p < 0,001 e p < 0,001, respectivamente) e nos adolescentes das escolas privadas (p < 0,001). Entre os adolescentes que relataram asma, a taxa de rinite foi de 64,4% e de rinoconjuntivite, 35,3%. A taxa da associação asma-rinite na população foi de 14,6%, e asma-rinoconjuntivite, 8%, predominando no sexo feminino (p < 0,001 e p < 0,001, respectivamente) e associando-se a sibilos com limite da fala (p = 0,037 e p = 0,004, respectivamente). O estudo pode contribuir para alertar os profissionais de saúde quanto à importância da abordagem integrada dessas enfermidades, considerando o conceito da "via aérea única" e buscando opções de tratamento que atuem nas duas condições quando presentes simultaneamente.

This study aimed to measure the prevalence rates for asthma and rhinitis and the association between the two conditions. This was a cross-sectional study of 3,015 adolescents (13-14 years of age) in Fortaleza, Ceará State, Brazil, in public and private schools, using the protocol from the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC), in 2006-2007. Prevalence rates were 22.6% for asthma, 43.2% for rhinitis, and 18.7% for rhinoconjunctivitis, with a predominance of females (p = 0.002, p < 0.001, and p < 0/001, respectively) and private school students (p < 0.001). Among adolescents that reported asthma, the rhinitis rate was 64.4% and the rhinoconjunctivitis rate was 35.3%. The rates of association were 14.6% between asthma and rhinitis and 8% between asthma and rhinoconjunctivitis, with a predominance of females (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively) and associated with speech-limiting wheezing (p = 0.037 and p = 0.004, respectively). The study can help call health professionals' attention to the importance of an integrated approach to these illnesses, considering the "single airway" concept and seeking treatment options that act on both asthma and rhinitis when the two conditions present simultaneously.