 |
|
| Home > Living With Asthma > Daily Life > Asthma and Nasal Allergies |
|
 |
|
Nasal allergies and asthma have a common underlying component—inflammation. In fact, more than half of the people with asthma also have nasal allergy symptoms. The same triggers that cause nasal allergy symptoms can also trigger your asthma symptoms. While nasal allergies are more common, anyone can have either condition.
If you have nasal allergies and are concerned that you may also have asthma, answer the following questions. Then discuss your answers with your healthcare professional:
- Do I wake up in the middle of the night because I'm coughing, wheezing, or having a hard time breathing? If yes, how often?
- Have I had to cut back on routine activities like walking up stairs or exercising because I'm coughing, wheezing, or having a hard time breathing?
- Do I feel I can't do things because I'm concerned that I'll experience these symptoms?
The more your healthcare professional knows about you and your symptoms, the more he or she can help you.
Both conditions require ongoing treatment that includes regular monitoring of your symptoms. So, learn how to control your asthma and nasal allergies. Don't hesitate to ask your healthcare professional for more information. When you understand asthma and nasal allergies, you'll feel better—and breathe easier!
Asthma during allergy season
Springtime is allergy season for many Americans, and more than 40 million of us have nasal allergies, or allergic rhinitis.
Your immune system protects you from bacteria and viruses. If you have nasal allergies, your immune system may also act negatively in response to things around you like pollen, pet dander, or house dust mites. This can cause your body to react in an attempt to "protect" you from these invading allergens.
You sneeze. Your nose is stuffy, runny, and itchy. Your eyes are watery and itchy. These are all signs that you are sensitive to triggers called allergens. And while sensitivity to these allergens differ from person to person and season to season, you probably inherited a tendency for nasal allergies from one or both of your parents.
Depending on what you are allergic to and how bad your nasal allergies are, you may have several treatment options. Ask your healthcare professional which treatment is right for you.
Remember, when you treat your nasal allergies, you may be helping to manage your asthma, too.
Managing your asthma during allergy season
If your asthma symptoms are worse at certain times of the year, the reason may be plant pollen, which can cause nasal allergies and irritate your airways. While you can't avoid pollen entirely, the following facts might help you weather the seasons:
- Not all pollens are equal! Tree and flower pollens cause problems in early spring, while grass pollens strike in late spring and early summer. Weed pollens tend to cause problems in the late summer.
- Weather and time of day also affect asthma symptoms. Ragweed releases its pollen into the air in the morning, and a strong wind may carry it right through an open window into your home.
- Heat, humidity, and air pollution can also cause your asthma symptoms to worsen.
"Do's" and "Don'ts"
- Do keep your windows closed at night and while in your car. Use air conditioning.
- Do listen to the weather service and stay indoors when pollen counts are high.
- Do take your peak flow meter and medication(s) with you on trips.
- Don't mow lawns or come in contact with freshly cut grass if grass is a trigger for you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
