Autonomic nervous system dysfunction and sinonasal symptoms

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Neuroscience
• Immunology

Background:

• The autonomic nervous system (ANS) innervates the nasal and sinus cavities.
• The ANS plays a role in lower airway diseases like asthma.
• The ANS's contribution to sinonasal symptoms is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the relationship between the autonomic nervous system and sinonasal symptoms.
• To examine the influence of systemic diseases and triggers of ANS dysfunction on sinonasal conditions.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature review was performed.
• Searched medical databases using keywords: "autonomic nervous system" and ("sinusitis" or "nose" or "otolaryngology").
• Selected relevant published articles for analysis.

Main Results:

• The ANS is significantly involved in the pathophysiology of sinonasal symptoms.
• Limited evidence links ANS in sinonasal disease to systemic conditions like hypertension.
• Physical and psychological stressors show some evidence of influencing this relationship.

Conclusions:

• Autonomic nervous system dysfunction in sinonasal disease is complex.
• Factors like personality and psychological distress contribute to sinonasal symptoms.
• Further research is required to clarify the etiology of ANS dysfunction and its systemic contributions.