Main description:

Although the upper and lower airways have distinct functions and are managed by different specialists, they also share many characteristics. Problems of the nose and sinuses can impact on the lungs, and vice versa. This ERS Monograph presents an up-to-date overview of the subject area, starting with chapters covering basic anatomy, imaging and practical clinical examination. Other chapters focus on associations with cystic fibrosis, infections, asthma, COPD, non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis, primary ciliary dyskinesia and air pollution. The "united airways" are discussed in terms of the impact of optimal upper airways treatment on lower airways disorders and current guidelines to aid all physicians, especially ENT and chest specialists, in clinical practice.

Contents:

Upper and lower airways: the same tissue?; How to explore the nose in respiratory disorders in 2017: a one-stop clinic?; Imaging the nose and sinuses in respiratory disorders; Nasal and sinus problems in cystic fibrosis patients; Infections in the nose and exacerbations of chronic respiratory disorders; Nasal polyposis and asthma: the otorhinolaryngologist's view; Nasal polyposis and asthma: the chest physician's view; Nasal polyposis and asthma: a mechanistic paradigm focusing on Staphylococcus aureus; The nose and sinuses in COPD; Chronic rhinosinusitis in non-cystic fibrosis bronchiectasis and primary ciliary dyskinesia; Air pollution and the nose in chronic respiratory disorders; Treating the nose for controlling the lung: a vanishing story?; United airways paradigm in guidelines and clinical practice