Pollen, pet dander and mold can trigger asthma symptoms, so avoiding these allergens is one way to alleviate their severity and help avoid severe attacks.
Allergens can be treated using medications such as bronchodilators and steroids to decrease inflammation and open airways, while antihistamines may also help relieve allergy symptoms like runny nose and sneezing.
Symptoms
As soon as a person with allergic asthma inhales allergens such as pet dander, mold spores, ragweed or tree pollen into their system, their immune system produces antibodies which inflame and swell airways preventing oxygen from getting to their lungs resulting in wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath.
Symptoms can be brought on by numerous things, including allergens and air pollutants like smoke, chemical fumes and strong odors, cold or dry air, exercise, illness and stress – and severe flare-ups are known as asthma attacks or exacerbations and may become life-threatening.
Common symptoms of allergy exposure can include runny nose, itchy eyes and nose, sneezing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness that feels as if something is pressing against or sitting on one’s chest. They are often brought on by exposure to allergens like pet dander, ragweed or tree pollen and exercise can exacerbate them further.
Symptoms may also be brought on by other triggers, including tobacco smoke, medications such as corticosteroids or leukotriene inhibitors, cold air and strong odors. A symptom diary is useful in tracking triggers; you should also work closely with a doctor in devising and sticking to an asthma action plan which includes treatments like inhalers/nebulizers/allergy shots/or oral medication treatments as needed.
Diagnosis
Allergic asthma can be caused by inhaling allergens like pollen, dust mites and pet dander; when inhaled, their immune response kicks in with full force to create an inflammatory reaction in the airways that leads to wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath – often made worse by exercise, cold air or respiratory infections. Furthermore, many people suffering from allergic asthma also have allergies that cause runny noses, sneezing fits, watery eyes or skin reactions such as hives – compounding their condition further.
When diagnosing allergic asthma, your physician will ask about the nature and severity of your symptoms as well as when and why they appear. They may also inquire as to what makes them better or worse; allergy testing will then help identify what allergens you’re reacting to, so as to reduce their symptoms.
Treatment for allergic asthma typically includes medications to control inflammation and prevent attacks, such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids and oral anti-inflammatory medicines. Some patients may benefit from immunotherapy which trains the body to tolerate allergens over time. Adherence to your medication regimen and avoidance of allergens will greatly enhance quality of life while helping keep symptoms under control. It’s essential that you check in with your physician regularly so they can assess how you’re doing and adjust as necessary.
Treatment
Many people suffer from allergies and asthma, with treatments that work for both conditions being lifestyle changes as well as medications taken to relieve symptoms.
Allergies are an immune system response to substances which the body perceives as threats, such as dust mites, pollen, animal dander and mold spores. When someone breathes an allergen into their system, the immune system releases chemicals which cause airways to tighten and become inflamed with swelling – making breathing more difficult.
Anti-inflammatory medications help to relieve airway inflammation and swelling by relieving oral corticosteroids such as Prednisone as well as long-acting beta agonists such as Salmeterol or Tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat). Antihistamines may also reduce allergy symptoms by decreasing histamine production – common examples are Claritin(r) (loratidine), Fexofenadine(r) (Allegra(r)) or Cetirizine(r) (Zyrtec).
Oral immunotherapy is a treatment method which gradually introduces allergens into one’s immune system to lessen reactions over time. It involves receiving regular injections from a board-certified allergist of increasing doses of an allergen extract and can be done both with children and adults alike. Food allergy oral immunotherapy involves gradually introducing food allergens in small amounts over time in order to desensitize an individual’s immune system; and biologic medications, which work by blocking specific cells and pathways involved in allergic asthma processes – examples include omalizumab, dupilumab and reslizumab.
Prevention
Unfortunately, many people can avoid asthma attacks by limiting exposure to allergens such as dust mites (microscopic organisms that thrive in bedding, clothes and furniture), pet dander (flakes of skin shed by pets), mold spores, tree pollen from oak, pine needles and weeds, as well as cockroach allergens found in their feces and saliva; additionally for individuals with allergies it’s wise to see an allergist regularly for allergy testing so they can identify foods containing sulfites such as potatoes dried fruit beer wine etc;
An effective treatment plan for allergy asthmatics can help them live normal lives. They should use fast-acting medicines to manage symptoms quickly and avoid exposure to triggers. Furthermore, they should discuss a symptom tracker with their physician to help keep records on when and how often symptoms arise, providing insight into trends as well as possible sources of irritation.
Individuals should consult their doctors in order to create an asthma action plan that allows them to take control of their condition by planning when and how often to take medications based on severity of their symptoms, while at the same time discussing ways to minimize exposure to allergens by washing clothing and rugs frequently, replacing carpet with hardwood or linoleum flooring, encasing pillows mattresses and box springs in airtight covers, and cleaning pet fur regularly. It is also wise to inquire with your physician about allergy immunotherapy treatments which can reduce both allergy symptoms as well as asthma symptoms over time and reduce both allergic symptoms while alleviating asthma symptoms as well.
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