[Inflammatory diseases of the upper and lower airways. Epidemiology and pathophysiology].
The mucosal membranes of the upper and the lower airways have to be considered as a functional unit. Hence, in systemic diseases they react equally but cause diverse symptoms according to their anatomical and functional properties ("United Airways"). Inflammations caused by common cold viruses frequently involve the upper and lower airways and have a self-limited course in otherwise healthy persons. Allergic and nonallergic rhinosinusitis and bronchial asthma are the most common chronic inflammatory diseases. The fact that these diseases often concur has to be considered in diagnosis and treatment.
Russi
Erich W
EW
Klinik für Pneumologie, Departement für Innere Medizin, Universitätsspital Zürich. erich.russi@usz.ch
D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002648:Child; D003139:Common Cold / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D007249:Inflammation / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012130:Respiratory Hypersensitivity / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D020545:Respiratory Mucosa / Q000503:physiopathology; D012140:Respiratory Tract Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000503:physiopathology