[Nose and lungs--two of a kind]

Abstract

Background: Diseases in the upper and lower airways often occur concomitantly, and evidence indicates a close relationship between them. Optimal treatment of airway disease requires knowledge about this relationship; the article presents an updated overview of the field.

Material and methods: This paper is based on extensive clinical experience with airway disease, own research and literature studies.

Results: It is well documented that patients suffering from asthma have rhinitis more often than those without. Likewise, those suffering from nose and sinus disease, e.g. allergic rhinitis, sinusitis and nasal polyposis, have an increased incidence of asthma. Treatment of disorders in one airway compartment often has a positive impact on the airways in general.

Interpretation: Disorders in the upper and lower airways should be considered as the same disease to a larger extent than they are today. Patients with disease in one airway compartment should be considered for pathology elsewhere in the airways. Therapeutically, the airways should be regarded as one entity.