During the pollen season in spring, many people suffer from allergic rhinitis. And in this group of people, many people will also face another problem at the same time - bronchial asthma. These two common respiratory diseases are like shadows, always closely linked. Allergic rhinitis often manifests as symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and nasal congestion, while bronchial asthma is manifested by repeated wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. They are so closely associated that they are often seen clinically as "twin brothers".
But it is curious why these two seemingly separate diseases appear together so frequently. What is the intrinsic connection between them?
Basic analysis: basic knowledge of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma.
Allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma, two seemingly independent diseases, go hand in hand. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis include sneezing, nasal congestion, runny nose, and itchy eyes, while bronchial asthma is characterized by repeated coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. Although the two diseases differ in their symptom presentation, they both stem from the same fundamental problem: hypersensitivity to specific allergens.
Allergic rhinitis is often associated with outdoor or indoor exposure to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc., while bronchial asthma can be triggered by a variety of factors, including allergens, cold air, exercise, and even stress. It is important to note that the two diseases often coexist in the same patient, which is not a coincidence, but that there is some deep connection between them.
*The key to understanding the physiological link between these two diseases is to understand the mechanisms of immune response they share. Allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma both involve the activity of a specific type of immune cell in the body, eosinophils. When allergens are encountered in the body, these cells release inflammatory mediators, such as histamine and leukotrienes, to trigger an inflammatory response. This inflammatory response causes symptoms of allergic rhinitis in the nasal cavity and asthma attacks in the bronchial tubes.
In addition, the occurrence of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma is also related to genetic factors. Studies have found that these two diseases often occur in families with a history of allergies, suggesting that they may share certain genetic predispositions.
The coexistence of allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma is not just a simple superposition of the simultaneous occurrence of two diseases. In fact, there is a relationship between them that influences and intensifies each other. For example, allergic rhinitis that is not properly treated can worsen the symptoms of bronchial asthma. An allergic reaction in the nose may affect the bronchi through the nerve reflex pathway, leading to worsening of asthma symptoms.
In addition, the presence of inflammation creates a bridge between the two diseases. Long-term nasal inflammation may contribute to the overall inflammatory state of the airways, making the bronchial tubes more sensitive and vice versa. Therefore, combining the two diseases and controlling the inflammatory response is essential to reduce the overall symptoms of the patient.
In the face of these "twin brothers", a comprehensive management strategy is particularly important. First and foremost, medications** are the cornerstone of the control of both diseases. Allergic rhinitis may be treated with antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, and bronchial asthma, inhaled corticosteroids and long-acting 2-receptor agonists may be required.
In addition to medications**, lifestyle modifications are equally important. For example, reduce exposure to allergens, keep the air in your home fresh and clean, use an air purifier, clean bedding and carpets regularly, avoid indoor smoking and pet dander, etc.