Asthma is a condition in which airways become swollen and fill with mucus, making it difficult to breathe. For some, it can be a minor condition, but for others, it can be life-threatening. Additionally, it can impact the rest of your respiratory health, including your nose; rhinitis and sinusitis are the most common comorbidities associated with asthma.
Asthma has no cure, but its symptoms can be managed. Read along to learn how to manage its impact on your airways, including your nose.
The Link Between Asthma and Nasal Health
Your respiratory system is a connected pathway from your nose to your lungs. When inflammation occurs in one part of that system, it often affects the rest. This is why people with asthma frequently experience nasal symptoms as part of their condition.
Ways asthma can affect your nose include:
- Chronic nasal congestion due to inflammation in the nasal passages
- Increased mucus production, leading to postnasal drip
- Heightened sensitivity to environmental triggers like pollen, smoke or dust
- A higher risk of sinus infections due to blocked sinuses
Common Nasal Conditions Associated with Asthma
If you have asthma, you’re more likely to experience other conditions that impact your nasal health.
These may include:
- Allergic rhinitis: Also known as hay fever, it causes sneezing, itching and a runny or blocked nose.
- Non-allergic rhinitis: Similar symptoms to hay fever but not triggered by allergens.
- Nasal polyps: Small growths inside the nasal passages caused by chronic inflammation.
- Chronic sinusitis: Ongoing sinus inflammation that lasts more than 12 weeks, often linked to asthma and nasal polyps.
Managing Nasal Symptoms Alongside Asthma
Controlling nasal inflammation can improve nose-related symptoms and overall asthma control. Addressing both areas can lead to better breathing and fewer flare-ups.
Helpful management strategies include:
- Use a saline nasal rinse to flush out irritants and reduce congestion.
- Try a corticosteroid nasal spray to calm inflammation, if advised by your doctor.
- Manage allergies with antihistamines or allergy shots if environmental triggers are an issue.
- Use an air purifier at home to reduce dust, pollen and pet dander.
- Avoid strong scents, smoke and cold air, which can trigger both nasal and asthma symptoms.
- Use your inhaler as instructed and prescribed by your doctor.
If you’re treating your asthma but still dealing with ongoing issues, it may be time to see an ENT specialist. These professionals can help determine the cause and provide management techniques.
To learn more about the link between asthma and your ENT health, contact Mt. Hood ENT & Allergy today.