lung and the gut

ABSTRACT

Abnormalities of the gastro-intestinal tract [GI] may affect the lungs adversely. Aspiration pneumonia may occur in patients with nasogastric or even direct gastric intubation, and in esophageal dysmotility from neurological disease or scleroderma. Importantly, asthma, chronic cough, or hoarseness is often associated with gastro esophageal reflux disease [GERD]. in such patients, treatment with high doses of proton pump inhibitors [PPI] for upwards of 6 months often causes a dramatic improvement of the asthma, chronic cough, or the hoarseness. in refractory cases, surgical approach may achieve good results or complete cure. The gut is the supplier of fuel to the lung, and the lung is the oxygen provider to the gut, yet certain pathological conditions of the gut may have adverse effects on the lung. The two systems have a common port of entry, the oropharynx. Poor oral hygiene and loose teeth or dentures are well known sources of aspiration, pulmonary infection, and abscess formation, especially during periods of impaired consciousness as in sleep; epileptic, diabetic or hypoglycemic coma, cerebro-vascular accident; and intoxication by alcohol or other drugs