COPD
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Epidemiologic studies suggest that as many as 75% of patients with COPD have concomitant nasal symptoms and more than 1/3 of patients with sinusitis also have lower airway symptoms of asthma or COPD. Because the inflammatory response of the upper and lower airways are similar, and both sites have a similar exposure to allergens and irritants, it is not surprising that rhinitis or sinusitis would coexist with COPD. ⋯ Postnasal drainage of nasal inflammatory mediators during sleep also may increase lower airway responsiveness. Therapy of nasal and sinus disease is associated with improved pulmonary function in patients with COPD.