What is the link between non-allergic rhinitis and asthma?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 38-year-old female with a normal BMI and a history of CRSwNP (non-allergic rhinitis). I am a non-smoker and have no known allergies. I am currently taking medications Fluticasone nasal drops and Cetirizine. I am just seeking an opinion to try to understand my condition further. 15 years ago at the age of 23, I developed severe and persistent rhinitis and have been taking nasal steroid drops to manage this every day for 14 years, symptoms are partly controlled. I have always found my condition strange as I have no allergies yet this constant sinus inflammation. Antihistamines help slightly despite there being no allergy.

After looking at information online I found out that CRSwNP is caused by increased eosinophils. I have noticed that when I had blood tests in the past my eosinophils were slightly raised at 0.5 x 10/9. I therefore believe that this immune dysregulation is causing my chronic sinus inflammation.

My dad developed adult-onset asthma and nasal polyps when he was in his 40s. I have no asthma symptoms at present but worry that given my CRSwNP and family history, I am predisposed to developing asthma. I wonder what is my level of risk of going on to developing asthma. If so is there any way I can avoid asthma developing?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

According to your statement, you have been suffering from CRSwNP (chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps). By using medications, you are well-controlled now and have no symptoms of asthma.

According to your first query, inflamed sinuses from nasal polyps may develop asthma in the long run or aggravate the symptoms of asthma.

According to your other query, you are more likely to develop asthma if your genetically related relatives, like your father or mother, or both, have a history of asthma. Some medical studies have shown that if your mother or father has it, then you have a 25 percent chance of developing it. Again, if both your father and mother have it, you have a 50 percent chance of developing asthma in your lifetime.

Try to control inflamed sinuses from nasal polyps. I have mentioned earlier about a 25 percent and 50 percent chance of developing asthma in the case of a genetically related person like you. You have only a 25 percent chance of developing asthma theoretically, not 100 percent. Then why so are you anxious?

You should be mentally strong, otherwise, any type of anxiety or overthinking will make your body's immunity weaker and more prone to developing asthma in the long run. Take care and do not worry.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Besides reducing stress or taking vitamin D supplements, you can lower blood eosinophils naturally by following the below tips:

Take a balanced diet daily which will contain citrus fruits as well as other fruits, leafy greeny vegetables, lentils, natural fats, protein, whole grains, honey, ginger, turmeric, vitamin D as well as C-containing foods as well as fruits, etc.

Do regular exercises like walking, running, swimming, meditation, yoga, dancing, or breathing techniques can also help.

Keep surroundings dust and allergens-free

Take anti-parasitic medications routinely.

Avoid cigarette as well as alcohol consumption.

Avoid acidic foods like uncooked goods, fried and oily foods, mint, garlic, tomato, onion, etc.

Maintain personal hygiene like hand washing regularly and exposure to sunlight for vitamin D synthesis naturally, etc.

Regularly consult with your physician to avoid seasonal allergies or protect from allergens. But first of all, avoid any type of anxiety or stress and for that, you can do any challenging work which can divert your mind from anxiety. You are not suffering from asthma now. So, be strong mentally and that is all.

I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.