[Dentobronchial syndrome. Can persistent productive cough be caused by parodontitis? A questionnaire study]

In order to investigate the statistical relationship between periodontal disease, symptomless sinuitis and chronic cough an epidemiological survey was performed by questionnaire among 186 patients (age 30-60) suffering from serious periodontal disease. 58% responded. Persistent cough with expectoration was reported only by patients suffering from periodontal disease in the upper molars. The relative risk was significant (p less than 0.01). The prevalence in this group was 28% compared to a 12% prevalence of chronic bronchitis in the normal population. Ten of the patients with persistent cough reported amelioration of symptoms shortly after the dental treatment. This includes eight smokers who continued smoking. The dentists confirmed that the patients in question had very serious periodontal disease. Further investigations including clinical control and X-ray of the teeth and sinuses are recommended.