There is fungus among us, and it could be serious Allergies And symptoms of asthmaA recent study published Dec. 16 in the journal Frontiers in Microbiology shows that people with allergies and asthma have different fungal colonies in their nasal passages than people with other respiratory problems.

The study, led by Dr. Luis Delgado of the University of Porto in Portugal, highlights an important connection between the two nasal fungus And respiratory health“We showed that allergic rhinitis “The samples displayed significantly greater fungal diversity and a different fungal community structure than healthy control samples,” Delgado said.

Researchers analyzed nasal swabs from 214 children and young adults who were receiving treatment at an immunology and asthma clinic in Porto. They compared these results with nasal swabs collected from 125 healthy individuals. Upon sequencing the fungal DNA, scientists discovered an abundance of fungi that are known to trigger allergies or diseases in humans.

“This suggests that the nasal cavity is a major reservoir for fungi that may be involved in allergic rhinitis and asthma,” Delgado explained in the journal’s news release.

The study further revealed that individuals with respiratory allergies, particularly those suffering from both asthma and allergic rhinitis, appeared to have a more diverse and rich population of fungal species in their noses. Researchers believe this variation may affect the immune environment in the nasal cavity, potentially worsening symptoms.

However, Delgado stressed the need for more research to fully understand these findings. “We could not control for all patient-specific variables, such as disease severity and level of associated treatment, and patients were sampled at the same time,” he said. Future studies will focus on variables such as disease severity and long-term fungal exposure, and researchers may explore whether reducing fungal levels in the nose can reduce allergy or asthma symptoms.

Effective Tips for Management asthma and allergies

Given the potential role of fungi in worsening allergies and asthma, effective management strategies are essential for those affected. Here are some expert-backed tips to help ease symptoms:

1. Keep indoor air clean:

– Use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to reduce airborne allergens, including fungal spores.

– Regularly clean and maintain the HVAC system to prevent mold from forming.

2. Control Humidity Levels:

– Fungi thrive in humid environments. Keep indoor humidity below 50 percent by using a dehumidifier and proper ventilation.

– Repair leaks or damp areas immediately to prevent mold growth.

3. Practice nasal hygiene:

– Use saline nasal spray or rinse solution to clear nasal passages and flush out allergens, including fungal spores.

4. Limit outdoor exposure:

-Stay indoors on days with high pollen and humidity when fungal spores are likely to be in abundance.

– Wear a mask when gardening or cleaning dusty areas where mold may be hiding.

5. Clean regularly:

-Clean and vacuum your home frequently to remove mold spores and allergens. Select a vacuum equipped with a HEPA filter.

– Wash bedding, curtains and upholstery in hot water to eliminate allergens.

6. Monitor symptoms and seek medical advice:

– Track allergy and asthma outbreaks to identify triggers and take preventive measures.

– Work with an allergist or pulmonologist to develop an effective management plan, including antifungal treatment if necessary.

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