United Airway Disease: An Evolving Concept? A Scoping Review of the Modern Literature on Integrated Treatment Approaches

BACKGROUND: This scoping review screens modern literature in search of effective treatment approaches that target both upper and lower airway diseases. METHODS: After the establishment of a research protocol, 227 potential articles were obtained through a logged search method. These were screened and narrowed down to 26 included articles. Data were extracted using a standardized data extraction form and were analyzed thematically and analytically. RESULTS: The main integrated treatment approaches are biological (dupilumab was the most mentioned molecule) and non-biological (allergen immunotherapy, nasal saline irrigation, and endoscopic polypectomy). Data suggest that these approaches are effective in improving upper and lower airway outcomes and showcase a good safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with upper and lower airway diseases should benefit from integrated treatment approaches when possible.