Can chronic sinusitis cause asthma if exposed to pollutants?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 44-year-old male with chronic sinusitis. I was exposed to lead and asbestos while serving in the shipyards about 20 years ago. I now draw disability for chronic sinusitis. Recently, my episodes have been turning into bronchitis and even pneumonia more and more frequently. Just this week, I was diagnosed with asthma. My question is, can chronic sinusitis lead to asthma?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Yes, chronic sinusitis and recurrent respiratory tract infections, including sinusitis, can cause asthma, especially adult-onset asthma. But it's better if you first get a spirometry study done with bronchodilator reversibility. If spirometry shows an obstructive defect with good bronchodilator reversibility, then asthma is likely. However, if spirometry shows an obstructive defect without bronchodilator reversibility, then bronchitis is more likely. Please let me know if you smoke. Do you have allergies?

Please reply to me with answers to these questions so that I can guide you better.

I will be happy to help you further.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern. Yes, your understanding is right. Though your reversibility is less (less than 12 %), you might have bronchitis. What was the cause of your sinusitis? Is it allergic? Is it infectious? Another cause of your asthma or bronchitis is recurrent lung infection. This can also lead to asthma or bronchitis.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.