- Statistics show that approximately 50 million Americans grapple with allergies every year.
- Sinusitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the sinuses, while asthma involves inflammation in the airways.
- Many people who have asthma also have chronic problems with the nose and sinuses.
May marks National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, underscoring the interconnectedness between asthma, allergies, and sinus health in patients. According to Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free, allergies can significantly impact your quality of life.
“Nasal obstruction, chronic sinusitis, or chronic allergies can really affect one’s quality of life,” Dr. Blair told the Pensacola Times. “If you have a poor outlook on life because you’re always suffering from allergies or sinusitis, it’s going to affect the rest of your general health. So if you can get your breathing and your nose in tip-top shape, you’re going to feel better, you’ll want to do more things, and you’re going to overall improve your quality of health.”
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 50% of people who have moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinusitis. Asthma and allergies can both cause sinusitis.
Many people with asthma also struggle with allergies, and allergy triggers can potentially set off asthma symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the immune system confronts allergens, it releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, or skin reactions. These reactions can impact the airways, consequently triggering asthma symptoms. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy gradually diminish the body’s response to allergens, leading to a reduction in asthma symptoms over time.
People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing can result in decreased saliva production, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, habitual mouth breathing may contribute to long-term complications such as strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and an elevated susceptibility to airway disorders like asthma.
In 1984, the AAFA proclaimed May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, recognizing it as a peak month for individuals affected by asthma or allergies. According to the AAFA, more than 27 million people in the U.S. struggle with asthma, 20 million people suffer from food allergies, and 81 million people have hay fever. The theme of this year’s Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is “empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies.”
Dr. Matthew Blair earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, according to Gulf Coast Breathe Free’s website. He subsequently obtained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010 then pursued further education, completing his internship and residency at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan, with a specific focus on otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery. Dr. Blair achieved board certification in 2015.
