Diseases of the Respiratory Tract

Given the fact that the oral cavity is contiguous with the trachea and lower airway, it is biologically plausible that conditions within the oral cavity might influence lung function. This chapter discusses the more common respiratory illnesses and explores the relationship between these conditions and oral health. There are several major oral health concerns for patients with upper respiratory infections. The most common cause of acute respiratory illness is viral infection, which occurs more commonly in children than in adults. The upper airway is the site of infection and inflammation during the course of a common cold, but respiratory viruses can affect any portion of the respiratory tree. The association between oral health and respiratory diseases has received renewed attention. Acute bronchitis is an acute respiratory infection involving the large airways that is manifested predominantly by cough with or without phlegm production that lasts up to 3 weeks.