Allergic asthma is a long-term lung condition caused by allergens like pollen, pet dander or mold spores triggering its attacks in certain people.
An allergist or asthma specialist can accurately diagnose allergic asthma with lung function tests and allergy testing (such as skin prick or blood tests). Furthermore, they will create a treatment plan to manage symptoms effectively and stop them resurfacing in future episodes.
Symptoms
Asthmatic asthma sufferers frequently experience episodes of difficulty breathing due to inflammation and narrowing of airways in their lungs, typically manifested through wheezing, chest tightness and coughing; depending on which allergen triggers their asthma they may also experience additional symptoms.
As soon as your body encounters an allergen – typically harmless substances like dust mites, pollen, animal dander or mold spores – your immune system recognizes it as a threat and responds by secreting chemicals into the airways that narrow them and worsen breathing difficulties. These chemicals may cause itchy or runny noses, nasal congestion and watery eyes – among other symptoms – while your body attempts to flush away foreign particles through various means.
Smoke from tobacco or wood fires, chemical fumes, strong odors or exercise can trigger asthma attacks. An allergy specialist can assist in the identification of these allergens through performing a skin prick test by poking your skin with a needle and applying small amounts of the allergen in small doses – checking for red or discolored spots and signs of allergic reaction such as redness or hives on your skin as well as signs that an allergic response has taken place.
An asthma attack is potentially life-threatening if left untreated, so if you experience severe wheezing and chest tightness that limits daily activities, seek medical help immediately. An allergy specialist can prescribe fast-acting medicines to address immediate symptoms as well as longer term preventative solutions that will make your allergies less reactive in future attacks.
Diagnosis
Diagnoseing allergic asthma involves conducting a comprehensive medical history review, physical exam and lung tests. Your healthcare provider may also inquire into any family histories of allergies, eczema (bumpy rash) or other health concerns; and discuss potential exposures such as tobacco smoke, chemical fumes or dust at work or school.
Your doctor will use a stethoscope to listen closely to your breathing, watching for signs of wheezing or tightness in the chest, as well as how things improve or worsen your symptoms, which will allow them to make an accurate assessment of whether allergy-related asthma is present, exercise-induced asthma, or obstructive sleep apnea may also be contributing factors.
Healthcare professionals may test how well your lungs are working by asking you to blow hard into a machine called a spirometer. Other tests could include skin prick testing to ascertain the source of symptoms; blood tests for certain white blood cells that cause inflammation in the lungs; or trials of medications like inhaled steroids or bronchodilators as quick-relief solutions.
Your healthcare provider will attempt to determine if seasonal or year-round allergies are contributing to your asthma symptoms, such as pollen from grasses and flowers, pet dander or mold allergens. A blood test may also be administered as it has the capability of detecting allergy triggers; however, skin testing provides better identification.
Treatment
Treating allergic asthma requires avoiding known triggers and taking medications to manage symptoms as well as immunotherapy to build tolerance against allergens. Individuals living with asthma should keep a symptom diary to identify triggers and potentially stop further flare-ups from happening.
To diagnose allergies in individuals, doctors will typically conduct lung function tests (spirometry) and skin tests in order to establish whether an individual is allergic to allergens such as pet dander, mold spores, tree pollen or dust mites. Furthermore, family histories for asthma will be discussed while listening to breathing patterns to detect wheezing or shortness of breath.
Allergens can cause asthma symptoms by stimulating the immune system to produce too much immunoglobulin E (IgE), leading to airway inflammation and narrowing. A doctor will likely prescribe long-term control medications to decrease inflammation and avoid attacks; rescue inhalers may be useful when acute symptoms appear. These may include bronchodilators (which reduce bronchial contractions) and leukotriene modifiers which block chemicals responsible for asthma symptoms by widening airways – as well as long-acting over time.
Allergy immunotherapy, or allergy shots, can reduce one’s sensitivity to specific allergens by gradually increasing their amount in a series of injections administered at regular intervals by their doctor’s office. Most typically, people receive shots once or twice weekly for several months before transitioning to once or twice per month injections for 3-5 years.
Prevention
Staying away from triggers that exacerbate allergies and asthma is key to managing their conditions, including secondhand smoke avoidance, using air filters in both home and car environments and washing bedding in hot water. If you are allergic to mold spores, reduce exposure by cleaning damp areas and ensuring firewood, leaves and compost remain dry in the yard. For those sensitive to pet dander, opt for furrier pets when possible or keep them inside; additionally use dustproof covers on pillows, mattresses and box springs as needed. Those sensitive to pollen should remain aware of local air quality reports (on radio or internet) so they can take necessary precautions when going outdoors.
If your allergies or asthma flare-up is caused by chemicals like cleaners and thermal printer receipt paper receipts, work with your physician to find ways to limit exposure at work or school. If you’re allergic to sulfites found in some food and drinks or certain medications such as aspirin and some high blood pressure medicines such as Lipitor(r) or other generics, let your physician know immediately and request an alternative solution.
Exercise can be immensely beneficial to everyone, but especially so for those living with asthma. Be sure to bring along a quick-relief inhaler when exercising and use it according to the instructions of your physician.
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