Many people who have asthma also have long-term (chronic) problems of the nose and sinuses. These can include:
Rhinitis. This is inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the nose.
Sinusitis. This is inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the sinuses. These are air-filled spaces in the bones of your face.
Rhinosinusitis. This is when you have both problems at the same time. You may have rhinitis without sinusitis. But sinusitis often happens only with rhinitis.
These conditions can have many causes. The cause may be a:
Virus
Bacteria
Fungus
Allergen
The same allergen can cause nasal, sinus, and asthma symptoms. Allergy shots will help you manage asthma and allergy rhinitis symptoms. And you should also stay away from things that trigger your symptoms.
The symptoms of chronic sinusitis, rhinitis, or rhinosinusitis include:
Sneezing
Runny nose
Nasal or sinus congestion
Postnasal drip or drainage in the throat
Sore throat
Nasal itching
Headache
Pain, soreness, or pressure in the face (often behind the cheeks and forehead)
Feeling tired
Loss of sense of smell
Bad breath
Pain in the teeth
The symptoms may make your asthma worse. They may also mean you have lung swelling and inflammation.
If you have any of these symptoms, talk with your healthcare provider. Or talk with an allergy doctor. Or see an ear, nose, and throat doctor (ENT or otolaryngologist). Controlling your symptoms will help you control your asthma. So will staying away from triggers or allergens.
Treatment for any of these 3 conditions may include:
Lifestyle changes, such as staying away from known triggers
Decongestants
Antibiotics
Nasal corticosteroid spray
Mucus thinner
Nasal saline
Corticosteroid medicines
For more information, visit:
American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology