Sinusitis and Asthma

As many as half of people with asthma also have sinus infections, also called sinusitis. Unfortunately, having asthma increases your odds of getting sinusitis, and it can make your asthma harder to control.

Your sinuses help warm up, moisten, and filter the air you breathe. Sinusitis happens when they get irritated and swollen. Common triggers can be a cold or viral infection, air pollution and smog, or airborne allergens.

Women and White people may be more likely to have sinusitis with asthma. Many people who have it experience more severe asthma symptoms, flares, and sleep disruptions compared to someone with just asthma.

Your doctor may recommend steroid nasal sprays to ease swelling and allow your sinuses to drain. They also may suggest decongestants, antihistamine medications, or antibiotics if you have a bacterial infection. Managing your allergies with shots and avoiding irritants, like cigarette smoke, can also help.

There's no sure way of preventing sinusitis, but there are some things you can do to lower your risk. These include using regular steroid sprays to prevent sinus inflammation, avoiding things you're allergic to, and taking your asthma medication as directed by your doctor.