Stuffy Nose, Eye Infections and Asthma
Some people who have asthma may notice that they also have other issues that could possibly be related to their asthma. There can be some other abnormalities that occur alongside. I know that from a personal perspective, I have problems with my eyes and nasal cavities.
Eye problems connected to asthma?
My eyes are always getting infected. It is normally a bacterial infection and usually can be treated with warm salty water and cotton wool to lightly dab and wipe across the eye-lid. If on the odd occasion this does not work, I will then opt for some eye drops from my pharmacist.
Having a stuffy nose is another really bad problem for me. Especially at night and in the early hours of the morning.
Other conditions linked to asthma
According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, these are some different conditions that can occur alongside asthma:1
- "Rhinitis. This is inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the nose."
- "Sinusitis. This is inflammation or swelling of the tissues in the sinuses. These are air-filled spaces in the bones of your face."
- "Rhinosinusitis. This is when you have both problems at the same time. You may have rhinitis without sinusitis. But sinusitis often happens only with rhinitis."
My nasal experience
In the past, I have observed that if my nasal cavities are clear, my asthma seems a hundred times better. And conversely, if I am all blocked up, my asthma tends to be quite bad. My breathing will feel heavy and labored. My doctor told me I have a deviated septum which basically means that the middle wall in your nose is off center or crooked. For as long as I can remember I have only ever been able to breathe out from one nostril. It alternates, but it can make breathing extremely difficult. People hear that you sound quite bunged up and annoyingly will suggest that you should try blowing your nose. A lot of the time my nose is totally blocked. What I tend to do to get relief is squeeze just under the bridge of my nose and hold my breath for about ten seconds or so and that normally does the trick! For one nostril anyway.
There are several ways one can treat these problems depending on the condition. Antibiotics, nasal sprays, and corticosteroids.
My airways are generally stuffier in the winter season so it is a case of trying to regulate the temperature in my apartment, and wearing the appropriate clothing when going outdoors including a facemask.
Taking the right precautions
It is frustrating because as asthma warriors we can take all the precautions in the world and still be suffering. But we can take some comfort that things could be much worse. By taking the necessary steps to prevent our asthma from being exacerbated it can hopefully leave us in a more comfortable position.
Another tip I find helpful in the colder seasons is to drink plenty of fluids. Particularly hot drinks such as green tea, hot water with a slice of lemon, and the occasional coffee with almond milk. In my experience, keeping myself hydrated can make a massive difference in my breathing.
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