Die allergische Entzündung der oberen und unteren Atemwege

Allergic airway inflammation encompasses a complex interaction between very heterogeneous cells and mediators of the upper and lower respiratory tract, leading to clinical hallmarks such as allergen-induced airways obstruction, hypersecretion and airway hyperresponsiveness. There is a substantial and growing body of evidence demonstrating striking similarities between allergic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract. Recent data indicate that these similarities are not only due to similar patterns of local antigen presentation. Systemic immune mechanisms as well as a complex neuronal dysfunction seem to be crucial to the pathogenesis and outcome of allergic airway inflammation. This article reviews current research on pathophysiology and therapy of this multi-organ disease.