What is the relationship between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Especially after entering the autumn and winter seasons, as the climate turns colder, the air quality is poor. Many patients with allergic asthma are most prone to attacks, and many patients also have symptoms of allergic rhinitis such as nasal congestion and runny nose when they are ill. After careful examination, it is found that this phenomenon is mostly caused by complications of allergic asthma that has not been treated for a long time. So, what is the relationship between allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma?

Many epidemiological surveys have found that allergic rhinitis is closely related to asthma. A survey in Western Europe found that 42% to 52% of rhinitis patients suffer from asthma, and 99% of asthma patients have or currently suffer from allergic rhinitis. Domestic research has also found that 80% of asthma is combined with allergic rhinitis, and 40% of allergic rhinitis is combined with asthma.

First of all, from the perspective of anatomy and physiology, the nasal mucosa and bronchial mucosa are composed of the same columnar epithelium and are also innervated by similar nerves. Second, both have common triggering factors. Furthermore, from a pathophysiological point of view, they are all the same allergic reaction. Finally, the two have a common pathogenesis, both of which are chronic nonspecific airway inflammation. The inflammatory factors produced in the nasal mucosa can enter the lower respiratory tract and lungs through the blood circulation or nasal passages.

Therefore, allergic rhinitis and asthma are like two fruits on a vine. The vine is the respiratory tract. When "asthma" problems occur downstream, we should not only focus on treating the downstream, but also see whether there is an allergic reaction "upstream" that leads to allergic rhinitis. Unlike general asthma, asthma caused by allergic rhinitis, in addition to wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, also has typical allergic rhinitis symptoms such as sneezing, large amounts of clear nasal discharge, unilateral or bilateral nasal congestion, and nasal itching.

For asthma caused by allergic rhinitis, paying attention to rhinitis prevention and treatment is the key. In winter, the carpets in the room should be cleaned regularly; bedding and curtains should be washed regularly; try not to place flowers or keep pets indoors; patients who are allergic to cold air should wear masks when going out. Use antihistamines and hormone treatment when necessary.