Asthma and Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis is very common in Ireland and between 60% and 80% of people who have asthma also have allergic rhinitis. Both asthma and allergic rhinitis are caused by an allergic reaction and the two conditions frequently overlap. Many of the same allergens are known to trigger asthma and allergic rhinitis If allergic rhinitis is treated effectively it could reduce asthma symptoms and may even help prevent the development of asthma.
One airway one disease
Asthma and rhinitis are related conditions linked by a common airway. With asthma the breathlessness and
wheezing is caused by narrowing of the small branched airways in the lungs (or bronchioles). Inflammation of these small airways causes increased phlegm, making the obstruction worse. The dry cough that develops is an attempt to clear the airways.
In allergic rhinitis the obstruction occurs in the nose. Blocked and runny nose occurs because the inside of the nose has become inflamed. In the same way as coughing is an attempt to clear the obstruction in the lower part of the airway, sneezing is an attempt to clear the mucus from the upper part of the airway.
What causes seasonal allergic rhinitis?
There are more than 30 types of pollen and 20 types of spores that we know can trigger seasonal allergic rhinitis:
Grass pollen is the most frequent cause. (Timothy grass in particular)
Tree pollen can also cause problems: Troublesome trees include the elder, horse chestnut, hazel and most commonly birch.
Weeds like plantains, mugwort, nettles and docks.
Wind-pollinated flowers (e.g. the Daisy family)
Spores are produced by fungi (For example; mushrooms) and moulds (For example; compost heaps) Moulds are fungi that grow on decaying food and dead leaves and on walls and windows in damp houses. They produce millions of microscopic spores which float about invisibly in the air. It is these spores that provoke allergic reactions.
Some people's symptoms are triggered by just one or two of the above, others are affected by more.
What causes perennial rhinitis?
The major indoor allergens that cause perennial rhinitis are the house-dust mite and furry or feathery animals. Other things that can cause problems all year round are moulds, certain chemicals and some foods.
Keep a diary
Unfortunately it can be very difficult to identify exactly which allergens are causing your problems. It's a good idea to keep a diary card, record the times when your symptoms are worse and try to identify what might have triggered them. Discuss the results with your GP, who may help to identify your main allergens or failing that may refer you to an allergy specialist.
To see if an allergy may be affecting your asthma you can take an Allergic Rhinitis Self Test
