Sinusitis is a term used to describe the swelling or infection of sinuses – which are hollow cavities in the face that are connected with nasal passageways. Symptoms of sinuses may include pain in certain areas such as the forehead, neck, upper jaw, top of the head or around the eyes.

Sinusitis has long been known to be linked with asthma. Studies show that people who have both sinusitis and asthma tend to have more severe asthma symptoms, are more likely to have sleep disturbances, and may experience more severe asthma attacks. Studies have also shown that sinusitis together with asthma was more common in women than in men. Moreover, smoking and GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) have also been noticed to increase the chances of developing sinusitis in asthma patients. Sinusitis in patients with severe asthma can make the control of asthmatic symptoms very difficult.

The relationship between sinusitis and asthma can be indicated by the fact that they are triggered by common allergens, such as viral infections, air pollution, or airborne allergens.  The treatment of one of the conditions in a person who has both can help alleviate the other too. Although there are no definite ways to prevent sinusitis, keeping the asthma under control can help improve the condition of the sinusitis as well.