I regularly suffer from prolonged cough, eczema on my head and in my ears, a runny ear and a crusty nose. Could this be related to asthma? I am 64 years old and do not smoke. The ENT doctor and dermatologist can’t find anything.
Joris Bartstra, journalist with medical diploma
There are different types of eczema. Atopic or allergic eczema is the result of an allergic predisposition and can be associated with hay fever and asthma. Eczema on the head is usually seborrheic eczema: a scaly skin condition, caused by a yeast infection that can also be in the ears and ear canal. If I understand correctly, it is not certain whether you have asthma. You can have this examined with a lung function test. It is best to ask your GP, ENT specialist or dermatologist what type of eczema you have and whether there are indications that you have allergic complaints.
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