Combat zone exposure and respiratory tract disease.

Area of Science:

• Environmental and Occupational Health
• Aerospace Medicine
• Otolaryngology

Background:

• Deployment to combat zones is linked to respiratory and sinonasal health issues in U.S. soldiers.
• Studies indicate a correlation between deployment and post-deployment respiratory pathologies, including sinusitis, allergic rhinitis, and asthma.
• These conditions are frequently reported in soldiers deployed to the Middle East and Southwest Asia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review current literature on combat zone exposures and their association with respiratory disease development.
• To explore potential environmental factors contributing to upper and lower respiratory tract conditions in deployed soldiers.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Google Scholar.
• The search focused on studies examining combat zone exposures and their impact on respiratory health.

Main Results:

• Combat zone exposures, such as foreign dusts, harsh environments, particulate matter, and close living quarters, are implicated in respiratory diseases.
• While lower respiratory tract effects are better studied, the 'unified airway' theory suggests upper respiratory tract involvement.
• Evidence indicates increased risk for sinusitis and sinonasal disease, though the quality of supporting literature is generally low.

Conclusions:

• Further research is needed to elucidate the pathophysiological mechanisms linking combat zone exposure to sinonasal disease.
• Otolaryngologists should consider potential combat zone exposures when evaluating patients with rhinologic symptoms.