Maryland State Wire

• Colder weather can cause more severe symptoms in asthma sufferers.

• Allergy triggers can also set off asthma attacks.

• Undergoing allergy treatment can help reduce asthma symptoms.  

As winter tightens its grip on the region, Dr. James Oberman of Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers explained that patients saddled with chronic sinus problems often have the dual issue of asthma as well.

"Some do better with allergy shots, but there's also the sublingual route that we can always consider if they do have a needle phobia or can't make it to a monthly doctor's appointment -- if that doesn't work well with their lifestyle, in addition to the medical management,” Oberman told Maryland State Wire.

The Mayo Clinic says that people diagnosed with asthma also suffer from various forms of allergies, and as the body’s immune system fights off allergens, it releases chemicals that can spark a runny nose, decongestion and skin issues. Allergy treatments, such as immunotherapy, can reduce your body's reaction to allergens over time, which will in turn decrease asthma symptoms.

However, according to Temple Health, people suffering with asthma may notice that their symptoms are more severe during the winter, a result of the dry air and sudden changes in the weather conditions. A nurse practitioner with the Temple Lung Center said that the dry air can reduce the protective fluid in the airways of the lungs, leading to inflammation and irritation and exacerbating the symptoms of asthma, which can include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, tightness and pain in the chest.

Common colds and the flu spread more easily in the winter, and respiratory issues can spark inflammation in already irritated airways. As a result, asthma attacks linked to cold weather can be an issue. Suggestions include dressing properly for the weather, breathing through the nose as much as possible, using a humidifier, exercising indoors rather than outdoors, and staying hydrated.

If you're interested in learning more about sinusitis and allergy symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.