Allergic asthma is an airway condition marked by inflammation and narrowing. It is typically caused by exposure to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and tobacco smoke – all potential triggers.
Treating allergic asthma requires medications and various management tools, including identification of triggers and finding ways to avoid them.
Medications
Antihistamines provide relief for itchy skin, watery eyes, runny nose and sneezing associated with allergies. They work by inhibiting histamine release from immune system cells involved with allergy-induced asthma symptoms. You can take most antihistamines with or without food at room temperature – for optimal effectiveness you may also take them at the same time each morning before inhaling an inhaled corticosteroid or leukotriene modifier such as Singulair in the evening for maximum effectiveness.
Quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) provide instantaneous relief from symptoms, opening and relaxing swollen airways quickly to relieve breathing difficulties quickly and reducing symptoms quickly. Examples of quick relief inhalers (bronchodilators) are albuterol (ProAir HFA, Proventil HFA and Ventolin HFA), epinephrine (Asthmanefrin Primatene Mist) and levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA). Long-acting beta agonists such as formoterol (Forteroid) and ipratropium (Atrovent) may be combined with short-acting bronchodilators to treat asthma symptoms that progress more gradually than they would with short-acting agents alone. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists like theophylline (Elixotil) and levomeproate (Asthma Control) are long-acting medications taken orally that work to control asthma by reducing swelling and extra mucus in the airways, but don’t work to relieve sudden symptoms.
Biologic medications — like omalizumab (Xolair) and infliximab (Remicade) — work by targeting specific proteins that rise when exposed to allergens. When taken as prescribed by your provider, biologic treatments can significantly decrease asthma symptoms in people who have mild to moderate allergic asthma symptoms. Your provider will conduct blood tests in order to ascertain if these treatments (which take the form of injections known as immunotherapy) would benefit you.
Lifestyle changes
Many people living with asthma have their symptoms triggered by allergens found in the environment, leading to wheezing, coughing and chest tightening – often dangerous symptoms that could even prove life-threatening.
If you suffer from allergic asthma, lifestyle changes may help manage its symptoms. These changes include taking all the prescribed medicines (both controller and rescue) on time as directed by your physician and using a peak flow meter to track how well your lungs are working – low readings could indicate worsening symptoms that require you to take a bronchodilator medication.
Regular exercise can improve lung function and decrease your risk of asthma attacks, but always consult your physician first if you are undertaking any form of physical activity – especially if you suffer from a chronic illness like heart disease, diabetes or high blood pressure.
Diet can play an essential part in managing asthma symptoms. Eating foods rich in vitamins C, D and E as well as omega-3 fatty acids may help decrease inflammation in your airways while adhering to a diet which limits exposure to environmental allergens can also significantly help improve asthmatic conditions.
Avoid foods containing sulfites, commonly used as preservatives. Studies show that cutting down on the amount of sulfites in your diet may help control asthma symptoms more effectively.
Allergen avoidance
Allergens can trigger allergic symptoms and asthma attacks in certain people, but there are ways to limit exposure and lower the risk of an adverse reaction. Allergen avoidance should be emphasized as one of the most effective therapies available to asthma and allergy sufferers.
Allergies occur when immune system proteins mistakenly identify harmless substances as harmful and respond with neuronal reflexes like sneezing and itching that serve to rid the body of any potential threats. These responses help eliminate harmful substances more effectively.
Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold and mildew can trigger allergies in susceptible individuals. While avoiding such allergens may help mitigate allergic symptoms, complete avoidance may not always be possible for many people.
People can lessen their exposure to allergens by staying indoors when pollen counts are high, using air conditioning with windows closed and using hot water washing, and washing bedding in hot water weekly. Furthermore, avoiding outdoor activities during times of peak plant growth should also help. Adding protection while cleaning or vacuuming or after coming indoors by wearing a mask while vacuuming or wearing clothing to protect you may help also.
People suffering from severe, ongoing allergic reactions may benefit from allergy immunotherapy. This treatment trains their immune systems to tolerate specific allergens over time; pills or injections are used.
Follow-up care
Though asthma cannot be cured, several treatment options can improve breathing and quality of life. The first step should be seeking advice from an allergist or pulmonologist who can administer tests, assess symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan.
Some people experience seasonal allergies triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds; others suffer year-round allergies caused by dust mites, mold spores, pet dander and other environmental factors. Both triggers cause an overreaction from the immune system which results in inflammation, narrowing airways and reduced lung function over time. Chronic inflammation also can result in structural changes within lungs which lead to structural changes and mucus production resulting in reduced lung function over time.
People living with allergic asthma must also use inhaled medications to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups, including bronchodilators and corticosteroids, which work by widening airways and decreasing inflammation. They may also require allergy medicines for the root cause causing symptoms – such as immunotherapy treatments that include allergy shots or sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue.
Make sure your asthma is under control by consulting a healthcare provider regularly for monitoring and follow-up, including assessing how effectively symptoms are being managed, tracking any flare-ups and reviewing past episodes of asthma.
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