Asthmatic children have higher risk of getting sinusitis from exposure to second hand smoke. On the other hand, people with chronic sinusitis are sometimes at higher risk of developing asthma.
When asthma comes with sinus infection, simple treatment will not do. Since the nose is blocked, the individual is forced to breath through their mouth which can likely hasten an asthma attack. Likewise, air breathed through the mouth is colder than the air breathed through the nose. And cold air is known to trigger asthma attacks. Overuse of antibiotics, environmental factors, bacteria and fungi among others often increases the occurrence of asthma and sinusitis despite the advances made in treating these conditions.
If both asthma and sinusitis are considered as inflammatory diseases, then their treatment is likely similar. Patients should drink enough fluids and bacterial infection should be reduced by means of breathing and coughing exercise, various enzymes, exercise, iodides, guaifenesin and irrigation. However, if the sinus infection does not improve with antibiotics, a CT scan may be necessary. Asthma and sinusitis are often treated at the same time as what affects the sinus affects the entire upper respiratory system.
You are likely to identify asthma if you are aware of its causes and symptoms. Symptoms can generally range from mild shortness of breath to chest pain, coughing and tightness in the chest. Common asthma triggers include indoor and outdoor allergens, infections, tobacco smoke, wood smoke, air pollution, certain medication, weather and even strong emotions. Some episodes of asthma attacks can be very severe and even life threatening. For this reason, education of patients is very important. Also, prompt diagnosis and treatment of sinusitis is important in the long-term management of asthma. And in order to effectively control the symptoms, it is important to know what triggered the attack and then avoid those causes.
Understand that sinusitis can worsen asthma. However, many patients who have successful treatment of their sinus infection find that their asthma also improves. Controlling the inflammatory process in the nose can help to control asthma symptoms. And along with prevention and treatment, maintaining a healthy well-balanced lifestyle and diet is also very important. After all, a healthy body is likely to get sick.
