Impact of Chronic Airway Inflammation on Maxillary Sinus Volume: A Retrospective CBCT Study in Asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Patients

Aim: This study investigated volumetric alterations of the maxillary sinus in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images from 40 COPD patients, 40 asthma patients, and 40 healthy individuals were retrospectively evaluated. Morphometric analyses were performed using CBCT images, and maxillary sinus volume and surface area were measured with 3D Slicer software. Groups were compared according to age, gender, and morphological characteristics. Results: The results demonstrated that asthma patients had significantly lower maxillary sinus volume and area values compared with both the COPD and control groups (p < 0.05). The COPD group also showed significantly reduced measurements compared with healthy controls (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Decreased maxillary sinus volume may impair mucociliary drainage and restrict airflow and mucus movement, thereby increasing the risk of chronic inflammation. This condition may enhance susceptibility to upper respiratory tract infections and adversely influence disease progression in patients with asthma and COPD.