The gut microbiome helps the immune system develop and keeps body tissues stable. When it falls out of balance, the effects can reach past the gut to the lungs and make respiratory disease more likely.
The upper respiratory microbiome, the oral microbiome (opens in a new tab) included, matters for respiratory health (opens in a new tab) too. It helps protect the airways against pathogens and may strengthen immune responses to respiratory infections (opens in a new tab).