Gateway Reporter

• Colder weather can cause more severe symptoms in asthma sufferers.

• Allergy triggers can also set off asthma attacks.

• Undergoing allergy treatment can help reduce asthma symptoms.  

Old Man Winter is tightening his grip on the Chesapeake Bay region, and Dr. Manish Khanna of Capitol Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers explained that patients, who are saddled with chronic sinus problems, often have the dual issue of asthma as well.

"Problems in our nasal passages affect our ears, can affect our eyes, cause eye pressure... it affects our throat,” Khanna told the Gateway Reporter. “All this is connected, but also further down, when you get into the lungs, chronic sinus issues and recurring sinus issues can trigger asthma exacerbations and reactive airway disease.”

Mayo Clinic says that people diagnosed with asthma also suffer from various forms of allergies, and as the body’s immune system fights off allergens, it releases chemicals that can spark a runny nose, decongestion and skin issues. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy can reduce your body's reaction to allergens over time, which will in turn decrease asthma symptoms.

“There are so many organ systems that are that are touched by our nasal passages,” Khanna said. “Proper health there can make a big difference in a lot of ways."

The Temple Health website points out that people suffering from asthma may notice that their symptoms are more severe during the winter, a result of the dry air and sudden changes in the weather conditions.

Common colds and the flu spread more easily in the winter, and respiratory issues can spark inflammation in already irritated airways. As a result, asthma attacks linked to cold weather can be an issue, and asthma sufferers are encouraged to dress properly for the weather.

Respiratory illnesses can cause the airways to become swollen and irritated, which can set off asthma symptoms. A few simple strategies to combat asthma attacks brought on by cold weather are breathing through the nose as often as possible, using a humidifier, exercising indoors rather than outdoors, and staying hydrated.

If you're interested in learning more about the symptoms of allergies and sinusitis, please take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.