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Dallas City Wire

Thursday, November 21, 2024

Dallas doctor: ‘Patients with sinusitis tend to have worse asthma’

Webp dr. monty trimble

Dr. Monty Trimble | Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers

Dr. Monty Trimble | Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers

  • Statistics show that approximately 50 million Americans grapple with allergies every year.
  • Sinusitis occurs as a result of inflammation in the sinuses, while asthma involves inflammation in the airways.
  • Many people who have asthma also have chronic problems with the nose and sinuses. 
May marks National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, underscoring the interconnectedness between asthma, allergies, and sinus health in patients. According to Dr. Monty Trimble of Dallas Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers, sinusitis can exacerbate asthma symptoms.

“There's been much said about the kind of combined airway when you talk about the respiratory mucosal tissue,” Dr. Trimble told the Dallas City Wire. “What tends to affect the nose also affects the lungs. We certainly know that patients with sinusitis tend to have worse asthma when the nose and the sinuses are not managed well. If someone comes in with a lot of issues with their lungs and their sinuses are obstructed, then we know that if we can address that effectively, that tends to greatly improve their pulmonary issues as well.”

According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), approximately 50% of people who have moderate to severe asthma also suffer from chronic sinusitis. Asthma and allergies can both cause sinusitis.

Many people with asthma also struggle with allergies, and allergy triggers can potentially set off asthma symptoms, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the immune system confronts allergens, it releases chemicals that can cause symptoms like a runny nose, congestion, or skin reactions. These reactions can impact the airways, consequently triggering asthma symptoms. Allergy treatments such as immunotherapy gradually diminish the body's response to allergens, leading to a reduction in asthma symptoms over time.

People who suffer from allergies or chronic sinus problems are more likely to breathe through their mouths, according to McCarl Dental Group. Mouth breathing can result in decreased saliva production, which then allows bacteria and plaque to build up on the teeth. This buildup can lead to cavities, gum disease, and chronic bad breath. Furthermore, habitual mouth breathing may contribute to long-term complications such as strained jaw joints, snoring, sleep apnea, enlarged tonsils, and an elevated susceptibility to airway disorders like asthma.

In 1984, the AAFA proclaimed May as National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, recognizing it as a peak month for individuals affected by asthma or allergies. According to the AAFA, more than 27 million people in the U.S. struggle with asthma, 20 million people suffer from food allergies, and 81 million people have hay fever. The theme of this year's Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month is “empowering individuals, families, and the community to save and improve lives for people with asthma and allergies.”

According to Dallas Breathe Free's website, Dr. Monty Trimble is certified in otolaryngology. He obtained a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from Texas A&M University and pursued his medical education at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Trimble completed his residency training in otolaryngology at the University of Missouri Hospital and Clinics.

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