Allergens can exacerbate asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath, making identification of your allergen triggers key for managing the condition and improving quality of life.
Allergic symptoms typically develop upon inhaling allergens such as pet dander, mold spores or pollen. Your immune system reacts by producing chemicals which bind with your airways.
Symptoms
Allergens found in the air – such as dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, cockroaches and pollen from trees, grass or weeds – may trigger asthmatic symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing. People with allergies may also experience runny nose, sneezing and itchy eyes or mouth as an asthma-related nasal symptom.
When exposed to allergens, the immune system responds by producing more immunoglobulin E (IgE). IgE attaches to and binds with allergens to cause an inflammatory response in the airways that tighten and produce excess mucus, making breathing difficult. Viral respiratory infections, exercise, cold air exposure, certain medicines or stress may increase this reaction and make breathing even more difficult.
Keep a symptom diary to identify allergy and asthma triggers. People suffering from allergies and asthma can reduce symptoms by avoiding or eliminating allergens they are sensitive to, taking prescribed medications according to plan, and following an asthma action plan. A board-certified allergist may recommend long-term management measures like allergy shots or sublingual tablets that dissolve under the tongue to make you less reactive over time – these methods also work for allergic asthma treatment! In certain instances oral steroids may be administered in addition.
Diagnosis
Allergies can often contribute to asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath. Therefore, it’s crucial for individuals with allergic asthma to be diagnosed so they can work with their healthcare provider on a plan to effectively manage and control their symptoms.
When exposed to allergens, our bodies overreact by producing antibodies that attack them and chemicals like histamine that cause swelling and inflammation – leading to difficulty breathing due to narrowed airways.
Healthcare professionals begin diagnosing allergic asthma by collecting personal and family medical histories as well as performing a physical exam which includes listening to lung sounds, chest sounds, eyes, ears, nose and throat exams, skin exams as well as testing lung function or allergy levels through skin pricks or blood samples – this will allow them to determine whether seasonal or year-round allergies are contributing to asthma symptoms.
People living with allergic asthma must visit a board-certified allergist or asthma specialist for diagnosis and treatment plan advice. Furthermore, it’s advisable to keep a record of their symptoms and triggers, and visit their physician on an ongoing basis in order to keep their asthma under control and avoid any long-term damage.
Treatment
Although there’s no cure for allergic asthma, medicines can help control symptoms and lead a normal life. The first step should be identifying which allergens trigger your symptoms through testing by healthcare professionals; then take steps to limit exposure by taking immediate-relief (rescue) inhalers when sudden symptoms strike and long-term control medications that decrease swelling such as bronchodilators, corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers over time – these include inhaled corticosteroids or leukotriene modifiers – or injectable biologics which target cells involved with creating asthma symptoms, thus decreasing inflammation; usually provided by allergists.
Your healthcare team will develop a treatment plan tailored specifically to your symptoms and how well they’re managed, including written action plans with medications and an accompanying schedule for when to take them. Your doctor will review this treatment at every appointment and make any necessary changes if needed.
Allergy shots or sublingual tablets may help gradually desensitize your immune system to specific allergens over time, which may reduce asthmatic attacks and other allergy symptoms. Your allergist will determine which immunotherapy approach will work best for you; your doctor will administer the injections or tablets under the tongue; typically this process takes between two and eight weeks before results become visible.
Prevention
Though allergic asthma cannot be cured, it can be effectively managed through treatment plans. Individuals must work with healthcare professionals to create their personalized plan and identify allergen triggers – this may involve allergy tests and spirometry (measurement of lung function).
People living with allergic asthma should discuss with their physicians ways of identifying and avoiding their triggers. This could involve staying clear of common allergens such as animal dander, dust mites, mold spores, tree and grass pollen as well as cockroach feces (feces, saliva and body parts) which may exacerbate symptoms. It is vital to ensure they do not exacerbate your condition further.
Preventative strategies for allergic asthma include taking long-acting leukotriene modifiers like Montelukast (Singulair(r)). They should be taken daily even without symptoms present to reduce flare ups and preserve lung function over time.
Individuals living with allergic asthma should get annual flu shots and receive the pneumococcal vaccine to protect against pneumonia. Furthermore, according to CDC recommendations individuals should get their Tdap, Whooping Cough, and Shingles vaccines as well. Finally, individuals must always keep a rescue inhaler handy in case a flare-up occurs – this can be lifesaving and should form part of any asthma action plan.
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