Your Guide to Sinusitis and Asthma
Asthma is associated with rhinosinusitis, a condition in which the pressure and pain in the nose are caused by a problem with the sinuses. It is not clear whether one causes the other, but it is possible to experience both inflammatory conditions at once.
You can discuss treatment options with a doctor if you learn more about the link between asthma and sinusitis.
Sinusitis doesn’t directly cause asthma. However, there is a possibility that sinusitis can worsen the symptoms of this lung disease.
In fact, if you have either asthma or allergic rhinitis, you may be at a higher risk of developing chronic sinusitis. Both conditions cause inflammation that can impact the airways and sinuses.
Allergies and allergic rhinitis can also lead to swelling in your sinuses, thereby causing congestion because the sinuses cannot drain as they should.
While sinusitis and allergic rhinitis are common comorbidities with asthma, current research is inconclusive on what the exact connection is. However, some studies have found connections between asthma with hypersensitivity to aspirin and the development of chronic sinusitis with nasal polyps.
Another consideration is allergic asthma and its role in both sinusitis and asthma symptoms. Allergic asthma refers to asthma symptoms and attacks that may develop as a result of allergies. Common allergens involved in allergic asthma include dust, pollen, and animal dander.
Additionally, sinus infections, as well as flu and cold viruses,
Your sinuses consist of cavities that go through the cheekbones, behind the nose, and around the eyes. They help filter the air inside your nasal cavity while also keeping it warm and moist. Sinusitis causes your sinuses to become infected, which can cause a variety of symptoms.
Common symptoms of sinusitis include:
- There is a problem with the nose.
- Pressure and pain on your cheeks and forehead.
- There is a problem
- postnasal drip, which may also taste bad
- cough
- The discharge is thick.
- fatigue
- In acute cases, the fever is only a symptom.
Acute sinusitis typically develops after a cold or flu and is defined by symptoms lasting less than 4 weeks. It’s also sometimes called a sinus infection. However, symptoms of this type of sinusitis usually last 7 to 10 days.
If you have three or more episodes of acute sinusitis per year, you may have recurrent sinusitis.
Chronic sinusitis, on the other hand, can last longer than 12 weeks despite treatment. It’s thought that a combination of infections and inflammation are the underlying causes of chronic sinusitis.
Sinusitis and asthma-like symptoms
Inflammation in the body is different for asthma and sinusitis. Asthma and sinusitis involve inflammation of the lungs.
The most common asthma symptoms include:
- coughing
- wheezing
- The breath was very thin.
- Difficult breathing
- The chest is tight.
It is possible to have a cough with both asthma and sinusitis. mucus in the airways can cause coughing, and postnasal drips from the nose can cause coughing. Asthma symptoms can be triggered by postnasal drips.
You may also experience similarities in symptoms if you have allergic asthma. Both can cause There is a problem with the nose., while also keeping your nose blocked at night when you’re trying to sleep.
Other allergy symptoms you may experience with allergic asthma include:
- Sneezing
- The nose is not straight.
- There are itchy eyes, nose, and throat.
- watery eyes
- dark circles under eye
Can sinusitis cause The breath was very thin.?
Sinusitis itself doesn’t cause The breath was very thin. as asthma can. However, a sinus infection can lead to postnasal drip, which may make certain asthma symptoms worse. These symptoms include coughing (especially at night), wheezing, and other breathing difficulties.
Treating both sinusitis and asthma may involve a combination of the following types of medications:
- antihistamines for allergies
- decongestants to alleviate There is a problem with the nose.
- steroid medications
- steroid sprays
- Allergic asthma can be treated with leukotriene modifiers.
- allergy shots (immunotherapy)
- bronchodilators are used to help relax the airway and reduce asthma symptoms.
- oral steroids to help reduce both nasal and airway inflammation (in severe cases only)
In the case of acute sinusitis, antibiotics may be required if it’s caused by a bacterial infection. However, antibiotics aren’t helpful in treating chronic sinusitis.
You can also try home remedies to clear out your nasal passages, such as nasal washes or a humidifier.
The best decongestants for asthmatics
Decongestants work by reducing There is a problem with the nose. which can lead to stuffiness, pain, and infections. These are often used to help treat acute illnesses, such as colds, but may also be used as long-term treatments for sinusitis and allergies.
“If you have asthma or sinusitis, the doctor may recommend an OTC decongestant first. If your symptoms aren’t getting better with an OTC decongestant, you may want to consider a prescription formula.”
Click here to check out our most up-to-date list of the best OTC sinus decongestants.
Oral decongestants typically contain pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine that work by reducing blood vessel swelling in your nasal passages.
Decongestants may also come in the form of nasal sprays that contain oxymetazoline. However, you shouldn’t use these for more than 3 days at a time, as these are associated with rebound congestion.
If you’re currently taking any other medication for allergies, asthma, or another condition, it’s important to talk with a doctor before trying decongestants as these may interact with each other. Also ask your doctor before taking decongestants if you have high blood pressure, as there could be complications.
Asthma and sinusitis are related to inflammation in the sinuses. If you have allergic rhinitis, having asthma may increase your risk of chronic sinusitis.
While the exact connections aren’t clear, there are treatment options available for both sinusitis and asthma — with the goal to help reduce There is a problem with the nose. and related symptoms that can also help decrease breathing issues.
Talk with a doctor if you’re experiencing symptoms of sinusitis, such as ongoing There is a problem with the nose. and pain. It’s important to address recurring and chronic sinusitis, even if you already take medications for asthma.