Exploring the Ancient Persian/Unani Theory of Connection between  Gastrointestinal and Respiratory Tracts: Current Evidence and Future Directions

Shahin  Saeidinejat; Syed Mohd Abbas  Zaidi; Alireza  Ranjbar; Alireza  Derakhshan

doi:10.18502/tim.v9i4.17481

Shahin Saeidinejat School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran
Syed Mohd Abbas Zaidi Department of Moalejat, H.S.Z.H. Govt. Unani Medical College, Bhopal (M.P), India
Alireza Ranjbar Institute of Interventional Allergology und Immunology, Bonn, Cologne, Germany
Alireza Derakhshan School of Persian and Complementary Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Mashhad, Iran

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/tim.v9i4.17481

Keywords: Respiratory system; Digestive system; Gut-Lung axis; Persian medicine; Complementary medicine

Abstract

The theory of connection between respiratory and gastrointestinal systems is a key topic in different types of traditional medicine. In this study, we discussed the history, main concepts of this theory along with related studies and its possible clinical applications. In this regard numerous scattered studies have shown a relationship between upper and lower respiratory disorders and gastrointestinal symptoms. Numerous epidemiologic, pathophysiologic and clinical evidence confirm the interrelationship and integrated functioning of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts. It seems that the holistic approach that emphasizes the link between the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems in traditional Persian medicine, is in line with the theory of united mucosa that has been considered in recent years. The interaction between the respiratory and gastrointestinal systems can occur through several mechanisms, including commonalities in embryonic sources, role of identical mediators and receptors, influence of common pathogens in the lungs and gut, similarity of microbiota patterns and changes, and same inflammatory and mucosal responses. We believe that this theory can provide new insight for the approaches to respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders in the light of holistic medical knowledge. Also, further research should be conducted to identify the exact paths and mechanisms of communication between respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.