Background: The airway surfaces are one of the most common ways of entry of infectious agents. Oral cavity associated lymphoid tissues are inductive site of humoral immune responses in inflammatory and infectious disorders of the upper respiratory tract. These lymphoid tissues play important roles in the induction of salivary IgA. The impact of upper respiratory tract diseases on salivary IgA p...

Organophosphate (OP) poisoning is one of the most common toxicological emergencies, especially in developing countries. They work by inhibiting cholinesterase enzyme lead to severe cholinergic toxicities. Organophosphorus intoxication occurs after cutaneous exposure, respiratory inhalation or gastrointestinal tract absorption. Exposure to organophosphate and other agents increases yearly, with ...

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) allows the noninvasive assessment of the mechanical properties of the respiratory system. Given that the technique does not require patient cooperation, it is suitable for the routine evaluation of respiratory function in a variety of clinical applications. In this paper, the rationale and the most conventional equipment and data processing of the techniqu...

Viruses are the most frequent etiological agents of acute respiratory infections, and are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality in children (Costa et al., 2006). Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is well recognized as the most important pathogen causing acute respiratory disease in infants and young children, mainly bronchiolitis and pneumonia (Oliveira et al., 2008). Influenza vi...

Epidemiologically, the use of a ventilator and the virulence of causative bacteria link VAP to the host and the duration of respiratory management. Risk factors include long-term respiratory management with a ventilator, re-intubation, administration of antibacterial agents before the onset of pneumonia, primary disease (burns, trauma, central nervous system diseases, respiratory diseases, and ...

Infections in the respiratory tract are very common but majority involve the upper respiratory system. Pneumonia is usually caused by inhalation of infecting organisms or the same may reach the lung via bloodstream. Pulmonary pathogens can cause tissue damage by a direct invasive cytolytic process or by releasing toxins (endotoxins and/or exotoxins). Acute inflammation may lead to complete reso...