- Statistics show that approximately 50 million Americans grapple with allergies every year.
- Sinusitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the sinuses, while asthma involves inflammation in the airways.
- Many people who have asthma also have chronic problems with the nose and sinuses.
May marks National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, underscoring the interconnectedness between asthma, allergies, and sinus health in patients. According to Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free, asthma and sinusitis are interconnected conditions that can exacerbate each other.
“The paranasal sinuses, the nose, and the airway are linked because of airflow, because of their mucosa, and because of how they react to allergens and other agents that could irritate either one,” Dr. Ditto told the Gateway Reporter. “So what we know is that if a patient has allergic rhinitis at a young age and it’s not managed, they can then form asthma. Also, we know that with chronic sinusitis and the inflammatory mediators, some believe that that gets into the lungs, and that creates a problem with asthma. Some believe that chronic sinusitis with infection can leak into the airway and drip into the lungs and cause pulmonary issues, so there’s a direct link that sinusitis can exacerbate asthma.”
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 50% of people who have moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinusitis. Asthma and allergies can both cause sinusitis.
Many people with asthma also struggle with allergies, and allergy triggers can potentially set off asthma symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the immune system confronts allergens, it releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, or skin reactions. These reactions can impact the airways, consequently triggering asthma symptoms. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy gradually diminish the body’s response to allergens, leading to a reduction in asthma symptoms over time.
People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing can result in decreased saliva production, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, habitual mouth breathing may contribute to long-term complications such as strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and an elevated susceptibility to airway disorders like asthma.
In 1984, the AAFA proclaimed May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, recognizing it as a peak month for individuals affected by asthma or allergies. According to the AAFA, more than 27 million people in the U.S. struggle with asthma, 20 million people suffer from food allergies, and 81 million people have hay fever. The theme of this year’s Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is “empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies.”
According to Richmond Breathe Free’s website, Dr. John Ditto received his medical degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Medicine, where he earned recognition for his research efforts. He then went on to receive specialized training in ear, nose, and throat disorders at the University of Michigan’s department of otolaryngology head and neck surgery.
