Hidden Nasal Fungi Worsen Allergies and Asthma
People with stubborn seasonal allergies or asthma might have hidden guests in their noses. Scientists discovered that people with allergic rhinitis or asthma carry a wider variety of fungi in their nasal passages. These fungi seem to change the nose’s microbiome, which can worsen allergic reactions.
Fungal Patterns in Allergic Patients
The study involved over 200 children and young adults from an immunology clinic in Portugal. Many participants had both allergies and asthma. Researchers sequenced their nasal swabs and found common allergy-triggering fungi in everyone. However, these fungi were far more abundant in people with symptoms. They also detected high levels of a compound called AIR in participants with both conditions. This finding is important. In the future, medications targeting AIR could help calm allergy flare-ups more effectively.
Fungi may not directly cause allergies, but their presence can make the body more sensitive. They reshape the upper airway ecosystem, which may increase immune responses. As a result, people with these fungal patterns experience more severe symptoms.
Link Between Allergies and Asthma
The study suggests that asthma and allergic rhinitis might be connected. Both conditions may stem from changes in the nasal microbiome caused by fungi. Therefore, understanding fungal communities in the nose could lead to better treatment strategies. For example, targeting specific fungi or their compounds may reduce inflammation and improve quality of life.
This research highlights the unseen role of nasal fungi in respiratory health. In addition, it opens the door for therapies that could address allergies and asthma at their root. Awareness of nasal fungi could help patients and doctors take proactive steps for relief.
