The article reviews the role of cytokines in the inflammation and structural changes of the respiratory tract in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cytokines play a crucial role in orchestrating chronic inflammation and are classified into lymphokines, proinflammatory cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In asthma, Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 are prominent, while in COPD, Th1 and Tc1 cytokines like IFN-γ are more significant. Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are also involved in both diseases, amplifying inflammation. Growth factors like GM-CSF, SCF, and TGF-β contribute to airway remodeling. Chemokines like CCL2, CXCL8, and CXCL10 play a key role in recruiting inflammatory cells. Anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 have inhibitory effects. Therapeutic interventions targeting specific cytokines have shown mixed results, highlighting the need for broader anti-inflammatory approaches. Corticosteroids are effective in mild to moderate asthma but less so in COPD. New therapeutic strategies are needed for severe cases.The article reviews the role of cytokines in the inflammation and structural changes of the respiratory tract in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Cytokines play a crucial role in orchestrating chronic inflammation and are classified into lymphokines, proinflammatory cytokines, growth factors, chemokines, and anti-inflammatory cytokines. In asthma, Th2 cytokines such as IL-4, IL-5, IL-9, and IL-13 are prominent, while in COPD, Th1 and Tc1 cytokines like IFN-γ are more significant. Proinflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 are also involved in both diseases, amplifying inflammation. Growth factors like GM-CSF, SCF, and TGF-β contribute to airway remodeling. Chemokines like CCL2, CXCL8, and CXCL10 play a key role in recruiting inflammatory cells. Anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 have inhibitory effects. Therapeutic interventions targeting specific cytokines have shown mixed results, highlighting the need for broader anti-inflammatory approaches. Corticosteroids are effective in mild to moderate asthma but less so in COPD. New therapeutic strategies are needed for severe cases.