Abstract
An observation made initially on clinical grounds and epidemiologic evidence, i.e., that rhinosinusitis and asthma are closely linked diseases is now supported by a growing body of scientific evidence. Most recent evidence supports the characterization of rhinosinusitis and asthma as two compartmental expressions of a common mucosal susceptibility to exogenous stimuli. In addition, there is evidence that the compartmental processes can affect and amplify each other via a systemic intermediary. The bone marrow is involved in this process, and IL-5 may be a key cytokine for orchestrating the systemic interaction. These facts argue that rhinosinusitis and asthma are not simply localized disease processes but part of a systemic inflammatory disease affecting the respiratory tract. They also provide a compelling rationale for combined treatment strategies with consideration of the treatment of rhinosinusitis as a means of improving asthma control and monitoring for signs of bronchial involvement in those with rhinosinusitis.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-7 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Journal of Asthma |
Volume | 42 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2005 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Asthma
- Chronic hyperplasic sinusitis
- Eosinophils
- IL-5
- Nasal polyposis
- Nasobronchial reflex
- Pharyngobronchial reflex
- Postnasal drainage
- Rhinitis
- Rhinosinusitis
- Shared pathogenesis
- Sinusitis
- Systemic amplification
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health
- Immunology and Allergy
- Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine