COEXISTENCE OF BRONCHIECTASIS AND SINUSITIS

The frequent coexistence of bronchitis and bronchiectasis with sinusitis has been recognized since the publication of the reports of Rist¹ and Sergent,² and confirmation of their observations has been offered repeatedly. This association is well known to otolaryngologists, but appreciation by general practitioners and specialists in other fields has lagged surprisingly. The relation between the disease of the upper and that of the lower respiratory tract is more than coincidental in the opinion of most observers. Whether the sinusitis precedes, follows or develops simultaneously with the bronchitis is not settled. The prevailing concept is that sinusitis and bronchitis probably develop simultaneously during an acute infection, such as influenza. Mullin³ gave as his opinion that patients with bronchitis tend to get well unless the condition is fostered and fed by a chronic sinus infection. This appears to be logical. Rist¹ compared the respiratory tract to the urinary