Do you ever feel like your blocked or runny nose is worsening your asthma symptoms? Many people who have asthma also have long-term problems of the nose and sinuses, and it can be frustrating to manage both conditions simultaneously, but this article can give you the right knowledge and strategies, so that you can take control of your symptoms, breathe easier, and improve your quality of life.

How Is Nasal Congestion and Asthma Connected - and What You Can Do About It

There are long term conditions that can commonly cause chronic nasal congestion. These conditions and their symptoms can significantly impact your asthma because it makes it harder to breathe and therefore, triggers more frequent asthma attacks. 

Here’s what you can do to manage both:

• Identify and avoid triggers
• Use medications
• Practice good hygiene and air quality control
• Consider seeing your GP (If you’re unsure what is causing your congestion or if your symptoms are not improving or worsening)

Learn More About Managing Both…

By understanding the link between nasal congestion and asthma, a comprehensive approach may be implemented which can reduce your symptoms and lead to a healthier life. Keep reading to discover additional information such as treatments and insights that will help you take control of your respiratory health.

What Causes a Congested Nose?

A congested nose occurs when the tissues lining become swollen due to inflamed blood vessels.¹ Common triggers include:

• Allergies (e.g., pollen, dust mites).
• A common cold
• The flu
• A sinus infection
• Pollution or smoke

However, the congestion along with other symptoms normally goes away by itself within a week. If you have congestion that lasts a lot longer it can be as a result of another condition.

Conditions that commonly cause nasal congestion include:²

• Non-allergic or allergic rhinitis. This refers to the inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the nose.
• Sinusitis. This refers to the inflammation or swelling of the tissues lining the sinuses, which are the air-filled cavities around the nasal passages.
• Rhinosinusitis. This refers to when you have both problems at the same time. While it’s possible to have rhinitis without sinusitis, sinusitis commonly occurs alongside rhinitis.

Research shows that individuals with sinusitis are more likely to have asthma, and those with asthma are more prone to developing sinusitis. In fact, it's estimated that up to 50% of asthma sufferers also experience sinusitis.³

The symptoms of these conditions include:²

• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Nasal or sinus congestion
• Postnasal drip or drainage in the throat
• Sore throat
• Nasal itching
• Headache
• Pain, soreness, or pressure in the face.
• Feeling tired
• Loss of sense of smell
• Bad breath
• Pain in the teeth

These symptoms can make managing your asthma harder. This is because the entire respiratory system is interconnected so when your nasal passages are blocked or inflamed, it can lead to increased pressure on your lower airways and therefore, breathing problems which relate to asthma. It can also worsen your asthma symptoms, so you might be able to help those by addressing these conditions.⁴

How to Manage Nasal Congestion as an Asthma Patient

Asthma is a very common long term lung condition that causes occasional breathing difficulties. It is a result of the inflammation of the bronchial tubes (breathing tubes), which carry air to and from the lungs. This inflammation makes the tubes highly sensitive and so the muscles around the tubes tighten, causing them to temporarily narrow, making it harder for air to pass through. This narrowing can lead to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness.⁵

To start managing your nasal congestion and, in turn, help prevent your asthma from worsening, you can:

1. Identify what triggers your congestion. 

By identifying these triggers or conditions and knowing the causes - you can receive help and improve your asthma. For instance, if your nasal congestion and asthma are both triggered by allergies, it's crucial to identify and avoid those allergens. Common triggers include grass, tree, and weed pollen, indoor and outdoor mold, as well as indoor allergens like pet dander and dust mites.²

2. Use medications. 

Antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays or drops (to unblock your nose - although should not be used by children under 6), corticosteroids, and salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of your nose can help relieve nasal congestion and can be bought without a prescription in the UK. Asthma medications like inhalers can also help to control breathing difficulties.⁶

3. Practice good hygiene and air quality control.

If your nasal congestion is triggered by allergies (e.g. allergic rhinitis), you may not be able to completely avoid your allergens but you can use these tips from the NHS to try to reduce your symptoms:⁶

• Wear wraparound sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen
• Use hypoallergenic bedding and covers, and wash bedding regularly at 60C and above
• Dust with a damp cloth and use a vacuum with a HEPA filter
• Wash pets at least once every 2 weeks and groom them outside regularly
• Regularly wash your pet's bedding and clean any furniture they've been on
• Keep your home dry and well-ventilated, and deal with any damp and condensation
• Regularly clean your living space and use air purifiers

4. Consider seeing your GP

If you’re not sure what is causing your symptoms, your symptoms persist despite these measures or if they get worse, consulting with your GP can get you the help and advice you may need.

Summary

You can manage nasal congestion and in conjunction asthma by avoiding triggers, using the right medications, maintaining good air quality, and consulting with your GP when necessary. By addressing one, you often positively impact the other and therefore, you can reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

FAQs

How can I tell if my nasal congestion is affecting my asthma?

If you notice that your asthma symptoms worsen when your nose is congested, such as increased wheezing, coughing, or shortness of breath, it's likely that your nasal congestion is contributing to your asthma.

Can allergies cause both nasal congestion and asthma at the same time?

Yes, allergies can trigger both conditions simultaneously. When you're exposed to an allergen like pollen, it can inflame both your nasal passages and airways, leading to congestion and asthma symptoms.

Can I treat my nasal congestion without going to my GP?

Yes, you can often treat nasal congestion using over the counter treatment from the pharmacist such as antihistamines, decongestant nasal sprays or drops (to unblock your nose - although should not be used by children under 6), corticosteroids and salt water nasal sprays or solutions to rinse out the inside of your nose can help relieve nasal congestion.

When should I see my GP?

You should see you GP if:

• your symptoms get worse
• you also have asthma and it's getting worse
• your symptoms are affecting your sleep and everyday life
• you're not sure what's causing your symptoms
• treatments from a pharmacist is not working

How often should I use a nasal spray or inhaler to manage both conditions?

The frequency of use depends on the severity of your symptoms and the medications prescribed. Follow your doctor’s or pharmacist's guidance on how often to use nasal sprays and asthma inhalers to avoid overuse and side effects.

How do I differentiate between asthma symptoms and nasal congestion-related breathing issues?

Asthma symptoms usually include wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, while nasal congestion primarily causes a blocked or runny nose and difficulty breathing through the nose. Both conditions can make breathing difficult but their sources are different.

What is post-nasal drip?

Post-nasal drip is when mucus from your nose or sinuses drips down the back of your throat which can cause you to cough and can feel uncomfortable.