Diseases of the respiratory system

This chapter deals with respiratory diseases of dental interest. Starting with common symptoms of the respiratory disease, the chapter presents essential details of the clinical examination and investigations employed in identifying respiratory diseases. This is followed by respiratory diseases of dental interest which include the common cold, sinusitis, laryngitis, influenza, bronchitis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, lung abscess, bronchiectasis, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary tuberculosis, lung cancer, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and cystic fibrosis. Other related disorders associated with respiratory disease discussed in this chapter include pleural effusion and pneumothorax. Each disease entity starts with the definition or description followed by its causes, symptoms, signs, investigations employed and principles of management. Where relevant, the oral and dental aspects of respiratory diseases are also described.