3 min readNew DelhiFeb 5, 2026 01:00 AM IST
Respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis and asthma affect millions worldwide, causing discomfort and impacting quality of life.
A groundbreaking study conducted in Portugal has revealed that these conditions may be associated with distinct fungal communities, or mycobiomes, in the nose, offering new insights into their development and potential treatment strategies.
Led by Dr Luis Delgado from the University of Porto, the research, published in Frontiers in Microbiology, analysed nasal fungal communities in 214 participants, including:
- 155 with both allergic rhinitis and asthma.
- 47 with only rhinitis.
- 12 with asthma.
- 125 healthy individuals as a control group.
Allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, and a runny nose and is triggered by the immune system’s overreaction to allergens such as dust, pollen, and fungi, while asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that inflames and narrows the airways, making breathing difficult. It can cause coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness, particularly during flare-ups.
For those who don’t know, allergic rhinitis causes sneezing, itching, and a runny nose and is triggered by the immune system’s overreaction to allergens such as dust (file)Using nasal swabs, researchers found:
- Fungal Diversity: Individuals with allergic rhinitis exhibited more diverse fungal communities compared to healthy participants.
- Interconnected Mycobiomes: Patients with both allergic rhinitis and asthma had highly interconnected fungal communities, suggesting fungi may play a role in shaping the immune environment of the nose.
- Metabolic Pathways: Three pathways linked to DNA and RNA production were more active in those with respiratory conditions, potentially opening doors for new treatments.
What exactly are nasal microbiomes?
Dr Deepti Sinha, Lead Consultant, Dept of ENT at CK Birla Hospital, highlights the nose’s role as a gateway for inhaled air, hosting an ecosystem of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. Whether these organisms cause disease depends on factors like an individual’s immunity, health, and the microorganism’s characteristics.
She also emphasised:
- Geographic and Environmental Variations: Nasal microbiomes differ based on location, hygiene, and exposure to allergens. Thus, findings from Portugal may not be universally applicable.
- Dysbiosis and Health Issues: Imbalances in the nasal microbiome, known as dysbiosis, are linked to allergies and respiratory infections, underscoring the need to maintain a healthy microbial balance.
While this study marks an important step in understanding the link between nasal fungi and respiratory conditions, Dr Sinha stresses the need for long-term studies to determine whether these fungal communities directly contribute to the progression of allergic rhinitis and asthma.
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As our understanding of nasal microbiomes evolves, maintaining a balanced microbial environment in the nose may prove vital in managing and preventing respiratory conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma.
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