North Richmond Today

• 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.  

According to Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, people who are battling chronic sinus problems often have the dual issue of asthma and sinus infections.

"The paranasal sinuses, the nose and the airway are linked because of airflow and because of their mucosa, and how they react to allergens and other agents that could irritate either one," Ditto told North Richmond Today.

According to Temple Health, people suffering from asthma may notice that their symptoms are more severe during the winter, a result of the dry air and rapid changes in the weather conditions. A nurse practitioner from the Temple Lung Center also noted that dry air can reduce the protective fluid in the airways of the lungs, leading to inflammation and irritation, exacerbating the symptoms of asthma, which can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest.

“We know that with chronic sinusitis, with the inflammatory mediators, some believe that it gets into the lungs, and that creates a problem with asthma,” Ditto said. "Also, some believe that chronic sinusitis with infection can leak into the airway and drip into the lungs and cause pulmonary issues. So there's a direct link, and then that can exacerbate asthma."

Common colds and the flu spread more easily in the winter, and respiratory issues can spark inflamed or irritated airways. As a result, asthma attacks linked to cold weather can be an issue, so doctors encourage people to dress for the weather, stay hydrated and wash hands frequently to reduce the risk of getting sick.

People diagnosed with asthma also suffer from various forms of allergies, according to Mayo Clinic. 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.

To learn more about allergy and sinusitis symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.