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Related Concept Videos

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract01:29

Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract

The upper respiratory tract plays a vital role in the respiratory system, comprising several structures that facilitate air intake and prepare air for the lungs. It also serves as the first line of defense against pathogens and particles. This tract includes the nose and nasal cavity, the oral cavity, the paranasal sinuses, and the pharynx, each with specific functions and features.
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Common Respiratory Disorders01:31

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Respiratory disorders, a prevalent health concern globally, are generally divided into two primary categories: upper and lower respiratory tract disorders. The categorization is based on the area of the respiratory system they affect.
Upper respiratory disorders impact the airways above the vocal cords, encompassing areas like the nose, sinuses, and throat. Various conditions fall under this category, including the common cold and allergic rhinitis. These disorders can stem from several causes,...
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Microbiota of the Respiratory Tract

The human respiratory tract, comprising the upper and lower segments, serves as a critical interface with the external environment. The upper respiratory tract (URT)—including the nostrils, sinuses, pharynx, and oropharynx—is heavily colonized by microbes, while the lower respiratory tract (LRT), composed of the larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs, was long thought to be sterile. However, recent molecular studies have revealed that the lungs are not devoid of microbes but act more like...
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Upper respiratory tract disorders, including viral infections and allergic rhinitis, cause significant discomfort and disrupt daily life. Managing these conditions involves a variety of drugs, such as antihistamines, intranasal steroids, decongestants, antitussives, expectorants, and mucolytics. Specific examples of drugs in each category are provided.
Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl) block histamines from binding. Histamines are chemicals released during an allergic reaction in the body. As a...
Overview of Respiratory System01:23

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The respiratory system is a complex biological apparatus that facilitates the exchange of gases, specifically oxygen and carbon dioxide, between our bodies and the environment. This system plays a vital role in the physiological process of respiration, an essential function for sustaining life.
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The nose is composed of an observable exterior segment (external nose) and an internal segment within the skull known as the nasal cavity (internal nose). The external nose, visible on the face, consists of a framework of bone and hyaline cartilage enveloped in skin and muscle and lined with a mucous membrane. This structure is supported by the frontal bone, nasal bones, and maxillary bone and is supplemented by a cartilaginous framework comprising the septal nasal cartilage, lateral nasal...

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Rhinosinusitis and the lower airways.

Peter W Hellings1, Greet Hens

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospitals Leuven, Catholic University of Leuven, Kapucijnenvoer 33, 3000 Leuven, Belgium. peter.hellings@uzleuven.be

Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
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Summary

Upper and lower airway diseases, including allergic rhinitis and asthma, are interconnected. Treating sinonasal inflammation, such as in chronic rhinosinusitis, can improve lower airway conditions like asthma.

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Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Pulmonology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • The connection between upper and lower airway inflammation is a long-recognized phenomenon.
  • Allergic rhinitis and asthma are increasingly viewed as components of a global airway allergy syndrome.
  • Non-allergic inflammatory conditions like rhinosinusitis also impact lower airway health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of interactions between common cold, acute and chronic rhinosinusitis, and lower airway biology.
  • To explore the mechanisms linking upper and lower airway inflammation beyond allergic responses.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on upper and lower airway interactions.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the impact of sinonasal inflammation on bronchial conditions.
  • Synthesis of evidence regarding the effects of rhinosinusitis treatment on asthma and COPD.

Main Results:

  • Nasal inflammation, particularly in allergic rhinitis, can lead to systemic immune activation and distant inflammation, negatively affecting bronchial homeostasis.
  • Chronic rhinosinusitis, with or without nasal polyps, is common in asthma and COPD patients.
  • Therapeutic interventions for rhinosinusitis demonstrate improvements in bronchial symptoms and respiratory function.

Conclusions:

  • Upper and lower airway diseases are closely linked, forming a complex interplay.
  • Effective management of sinonasal inflammation is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with lower airway diseases.
  • Further research into the shared mechanisms and treatment strategies for these interconnected conditions is warranted.