NE Valley Times

• 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.  

Dr. Franklyn Gergits of Sinus and Allergy Wellness Center of North Scottsdale tells patients that the interconnected nature of our airways makes it possible for both sinusitis and allergies to set off asthma symptoms.

"At one time, we used to think that a patient had (either) an upper respiratory infection or a lower respiratory infection," he told NE Valley Times. "Now, the doctors studying nasal and sinus infections have found that when inflammation occurs inside the nasal cavity or the sinuses, it's also happening inside the lungs and vice-versa. So when we have inflammation in the lungs, we can't forget about the inflammation in the throat, in the nose and in the sinus cavities."

Asthma sufferers might notice that their symptoms become more severe during winter, thanks to dry air and abrupt changes in the weather, according to Temple Lung Center. Dry air causes a decrease in protective fluid in the airways, which can make them inflamed and irritated, which can then trigger asthma symptoms. Asthma symptoms can include coughing, shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest, and wheezing.

Common colds are also more prevalent during the winter, and those respiratory illnesses can cause the airways to become swollen and irritated, which can set off asthma symptoms. A few simple strategies to combat asthma attacks brought on by cold weather are dressing warmly when you go outside, breathing through your nose as much as possible, using a humidifier, exercising indoors and staying hydrated. Frequently washing your hands can also help reduce your chances of catching a cold or the flu.

Many people who suffer from asthma also suffer from allergies, and some allergy triggers can set off asthma symptoms, according to Mayo Clinic. The immune system's response to fighting off allergens involves releasing chemicals that can lead to a runny nose, congestion or skin reactions, and those responses can affect the airways, triggering asthma symptoms.

"We might see patients in our practice coming from their lung specialists," Gergits said. "I know their asthma is going to be better. They're going to need less medicine. They're going to feel better, have (fewer) trips to the emergency room, and have better-quality sleep. We may also help reduce that excess cough that's happening on a regular basis coming from their undiagnosed or untreated asthma."

Allergy treatments, such as immunotherapy, can reduce the body's reaction to allergens, which over time also decreases asthma symptoms.

To learn more about the symptoms of sinusitis and allergies, take this Allergy & Sinus Quiz.