Primary immune deficiency diseases as unrecognized causes of chronic respiratory disease

More than half of all primary immune deficiency diseases (PIDD) affect antibody production and are well known as causes of recurrent sinusitis and lung infections. Chronic and recurrent infections of the upper and/or lower airways can contribute to inflammatory and obstructive processes in the lower airways which are initially reversible and considered “asthma”, but can eventually cause irreversible remodeling and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Conversely, several lines of evidence suggest that many patients who present with a diagnosis of asthma have an increased incidence of infection, suggesting underlying host-defense defect s.
Source: Respiratory Medicine - Category: Respiratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Review article Source Type: research