Lemmetyinen RE, et al. - Experts assessed the mortality and its risk factors in adults with and without asthma. Among adult asthmatics, increased mortality was largely explained by the development of COPD, malignant respiratory tract neoplasms, and cardiovascular diseases. For the reduction in total mortality in both asthmatic and nonasthmatic adults, smoking cessation was important. Findings suggested an association of allergic rhinitis and/or allergic conjunctivitis (AR/AC) with decreased mortality only in asthmatics. Authors noted the association of asthma with increased all-cause mortality as well as mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and malignant neoplasms of respiratory organs.