From Guts to Lungs: Understanding Microbiome Dynamics in Respiratory Health

Globally, chronic respiratory diseases pose a major public health problem. In 2017, chronic respiratory diseases attributed to approximately 3.91 million (7%) of worldwide deaths. Common chronic diseases of the upper and lower respiratory tract include cystic fibrosis (CF), chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD). These diseases affect individuals differentially across the lifespan. CF is caused by genetic mutations to the CFTR gene. Recent advances in CFTR modulating therapeutics have improved patient’s quality of life and lifespan. More than half of the CF population is age 18 or older. Childhood asthma contributes to significant morbidity worldwide, and incidence is increasing, particularly in industrialized populations. CRS is a major cause of morbidity in the adult population, affecting between 5%-10% of adults. COPD, the third leading cause of death in the United States, is typically diagnosed later in adulthood, though early onset COPD may be more common than previously recognized. These chronic diseases present a significant burden to patients and the healthcare system.