[The sinobronchial syndrome. Assessment of the influence of the upper on the lower airway diseases].

Epidemiological and clinical data are discussed dealing with a possible influence of inflammatory changes of the nasal and especially the paranasal tissue on lower airway disease like asthma, the so-called "sinobronchial syndrome". Even though there is clear evidence of an association of the upper with the lower airway diseases, a causal relationship and a possible work of action are still up for discussion. The literature has been reviewed, and different theories are discussed. Generally speaking, a branch of differently accentuated mechanisms seems to play a role.