The Asthma and Sinus Infection Link

The Link Between Asthma and Sinus Infections

Living with asthma is difficult. Part of that difficulty is the increased chances of developing sinusitis – or a sinus infection. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, as many as half of all people with moderate to severe asthma, also have chronic sinusitis.

ThinkstockPhotos-495647112Sinus infections can make you feel miserable. Without good treatment, they can last for months or even years. The existence of asthma can only make chronic sinusitis feel worse – and having sinusitis can make your asthma harder to control.

But there’s good news! There are lots of treatments available for both sinus infections and asthma. And studies have shown that by treating one condition often helps relieve the symptoms of the other. The key is to treat both conditions aggressively.

Treatment is important in preventing sinusitis from worsening. Again, since the conditions are linked, treating sinusitis may have the added benefit of improving your asthma symptoms.

If you have sinusitis and asthma, your doctor might recommend the following:

• Steroid nasal sprays areused to reduce the swelling and ease the inflammation of the sinuses, allowing them to drain normally.

• Decongestant and antihistamine medicines can be helpful, but overuse can lead to more congestion. Try spraying warm salt water into the nose, or breathing in steam as an option.

• If the infection is bacterial and not viral, antibiotics can help, but the full dosage of the medication should be taken even if symptoms improve immediately

• Controlling exposure to allergens is key. It can minimize your asthma symptoms and reduce your risk of sinus infections.

If you have asthma, it is important to treat a sinus infection immediately. It will help you better manage your asthma

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