Pulmocrinology: Interplay of pulmonary and endocrine diseases

The interplay between pulmonary and endocrine systems modify and influence the pathogenesis and manifestation of several disease processes. Endocrine dysfunctions predispose to numerous pulmonary disorders, including various respiratory infections. On the other hand, pulmonary conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and obstructive sleep apnoea can produce critical metabolic and endocrine derangements. Varied manifestations such as primary adrenal insufficiency, hypophysitis and hypercalcaemia can result from chronic granulomatous conditions like tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. Various endocrine consequences of coronavirus disease 2019 are also getting apparent during the pandemic. Tumours of the lung can secrete different hormones that give rise to several endocrine paraneoplastic syndromes. This review focuses on the clinically relevant interaction between these two diverse but interrelated systems. We suggest the portmanteau term "pulmocrinology" to delineate the multifaceted relationship evident in pathophysiology, clinical features and therapeutics of various pulmonary and endocrine disorders.