The nose and throat are part of the upper respiratory tract, the system responsible for breathing. Since these areas are interconnected, an infection in one part often spreads to the other. For instance, a common cold can lead to both sinus inflammation and a sore throat.
Building on this connection, the unified airway hypothesis proposes that the upper and lower respiratory tracts can also influence each other. This means that conditions affecting the nose and throat can also impact the trachea, bronchi and lungs. Let’s explore how nasal inflammation might affect asthma, a chronic condition of the lower respiratory tract, and how asthma can influence the upper airway.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic lung condition caused by inflammation and muscle tightening around the airways. Common symptoms include difficulty breathing, coughing, chest tightness and wheezing.
Asthma and Nasal Inflammation
One 2019 study on the unified airway hypothesis suggested that nasal inflammation can exacerbate or lead to the development of asthma due to the connected nature of the upper and lower respiratory tracts. A few common conditions that may lead to upper and lower respiratory inflammation include:
- Rhinitis. Rhinitis refers to the inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the nose.
- Sinusitis. Sinusitis involves the inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the sinuses.
- Rhinosinusitis. Rhinosinusitis occurs when both rhinitis and sinusitis happen simultaneously.
Asthma can, in turn, increase the likelihood of developing upper respiratory infections like sinusitis.
How Can I Keep My Upper and Lower Respiratory Tracts Healthy?
A few ways you can promote good respiratory tract health include:
- Stop smoking. Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and use a humidifier in dry environments.
- Exercise regularly. Take a daily brisk walk around Franke Park or sign up for a weekly exercise class.
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands, cover your mouth when coughing and clean frequently touched surfaces to stop the spread of germs.
- Limit pollutants. Avoid allergens, minimize exposure to air pollution and limit the use of strong chemicals like bleach.
- Manage asthma. Use bronchodilators, anti-inflammatory medicines or biologic therapies at the discretion of your asthma specialists.
- Get vaccinated. Get flu, pneumococcal and other available vaccines to prevent respiratory infections.
In addition to practicing preventative care, it’s important to consult an ENT specialist if you have frequent upper respiratory infections. We can help pinpoint the underlying cause and guide you toward the most effective treatment plan. Contact Ear, Nose & Throat Associates to make an appointment with one of our specialists today.