Use of IL-31 agonists, including IL-31, are used to treat agonists are used to treat asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis. The method comprise inhibiting, reducing, limiting or minimizing production of proimflammatory cytokines and include administration of the IL-31 agonsit during sensitization or challenge resulting in the asthma, airway hyper-responsiveness or allergic rhinitis state.