There may be fungi in your nose.
Fungal growth in the nose may be contributing to worsening allergies and asthma, according to new research published on December 16 in Frontiers in Microbiology. The study found that individuals with allergic rhinitis and asthma have different fungal colonies in their nasal passages compared to those without respiratory allergies.
Dr. Luís Delgado, a researcher from the University of Porto in Portugal, explained that individuals with allergic rhinitis showed a higher diversity of fungi and a distinct fungal community structure than healthy individuals. The research team analyzed nasal swabs from 214 children and young adults receiving treatment for asthma and immune disorders at a clinic in Porto, comparing them to samples from 125 healthy people. They identified several common fungal species known to be associated with allergies or disease in humans.
Delgado suggested that the nasal cavity could be a significant source of fungi that may contribute to allergic rhinitis and asthma. Additionally, patients with both asthma and allergies had a higher diversity of fungal species in their noses, which could suggest that fungi are influencing the immune system in the nasal passages.
While the study provides valuable insight, Delgado noted that it had limitations, including not being able to account for individual variables such as the severity of the disease and the effects of ongoing treatments. Future studies will aim to address these factors and explore whether reducing fungal levels in the nose could help alleviate allergy and asthma symptoms.
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