Pathophysiology
The paper highlights that inflammation originating in the upper airways, triggered by stimuli like allergens or cold air, can propagate to the lower airways, inducing bronchospasm through mechanisms such as the rhinobronchial reflex [PMID:21808460].
Clinical Presentation
Descending infections and post-nasal drip, characterized by the movement of inflammatory material from the upper to the lower airways, can exacerbate lower airway symptoms in patients [PMID:21808460].
Diagnosis
Given the interconnected pathophysiology, diagnostic approaches should integrate assessments of both upper and lower airways to accurately identify rhinobronchial syndrome [PMID:21808460].
References
1 Passali D, Benedetto de F, Benedetto de M, Chiaravalloti F, Damiani V, Passali FM et al.. Rhino-Bronchial Syndrome. The SIO-AIMAR (Italian Society of Otorhinolaryngology, Head Neck Surgery-Interdisciplinary Scientific Association for the Study of the Respiratory Diseases) survey. Acta otorhinolaryngologica Italica : organo ufficiale della Societa italiana di otorinolaringologia e chirurgia cervico-facciale 2011. link
1 papers cited of 4 indexed.