Allergic asthma is a condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrowed as a response to allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen; this results in symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath that result from their presence.
Individuals living with allergic asthma should monitor their symptoms and collaborate with healthcare professionals to develop an individual treatment plan, including avoiding known triggers and using rescue inhalers when necessary.
Diagnosis
Allergic asthma is a form of asthma triggered by an immune system overreaction to certain allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, pollen, pet dander or food allergens that lead to inflamed airways resulting in coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Common triggers may include dust mites, mold spores, pollen or food allergens that lead to inflamed airways causing coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath symptoms.
Healthcare professionals can diagnose allergic asthma based on a person’s medical history and symptoms. A physical exam and listening to the patient’s lungs and chest will also be conducted, along with asking about changes that make symptoms better or worse, asking what changes have made their symptoms better or worse, lung function tests such as spirometry or fractional exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO), skin prick testing for allergies (pets, plants, molds or dust), allergy testing (via skin prick or blood), allergy testing will detect potential triggers for their diagnosis.
Pulse oximeters measure blood oxygen levels while imaging tests such as chest X-rays can provide healthcare providers with information to diagnose diseases that might be affecting breathing, such as cystic fibrosis or pulmonary embolisms, as well as pinpoint allergy triggers; for example hiring someone to cut the grass or installing an air purifier will remove indoor allergens such as mold spores from indoor environments.
Symptoms
Allergic asthma develops when airborne allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander and mold spores trigger an immune reaction in the body and trigger inflammation and narrowing of airways resulting in symptoms such as coughing and wheezing – this type is the most prevalent in America.
Allergens are tiny substances that trigger an adverse immune reaction in an individual. Once an allergen enters a person’s system, chemicals called histamine are released that lead to swelling and irritation resulting in runny noses or itchy eyes as symptoms of exposure.
These allergens can be found both indoors and outdoors, such as tree pollen, mold spores, pet dander and dust mites. Certain foods, such as eggs or dairy, as well as medications like aspirin may also trigger asthmatic attacks in some individuals.
Doctors can diagnose allergic asthma by speaking with patients and gathering details about their history of symptoms, conducting physical exams and lung function tests, allergy testing (either skin prick or blood) as well as imaging tests such as chest X-ray or echocardiography to show how well their lungs are working; additionally testing may include exposure to smoke or respiratory infections which could exacerbate symptoms.
Triggers
Allergic asthma triggers are substances which trigger an overreaction from an individual’s immune system, leading to airway irritation and swelling. Common triggers may include allergens like pet dander, mold spores, pollen from trees, grasses or flowers as well as chemicals found in some cleaning products; other potential triggers could include exercise, stress, cold air exposure, strong odors or viruses.
Healthcare providers can identify possible triggers by reviewing a patient’s medical history and performing a physical exam. Blood allergy tests (also called specific IgE tests) may also assist healthcare providers in diagnosing allergic asthma as well as determining which allergens could trigger symptoms.
At times, symptoms can also be tied back to family histories of atopic conditions like eczema and hay fever – those more susceptible are more likely to experience allergic asthma as a result.
Keep a log of when and where your asthma symptoms occur to help healthcare providers determine the source. This will allow them to pinpoint possible triggers and devise ways of limiting exposure – for instance if seasonal allergies are an issue this could mean hiring someone to cut the lawn or wearing a mask when gardening; while food allergies could mean cutting certain foods out, such as peanuts, eggs, milk, shellfish or soy products from your diet altogether.
Treatment
Treatment includes avoiding or minimizing triggers while using medications to manage symptoms. Such medicines include inhaled steroids for inflammation reduction and bronchodilators that open airways – both are available with valid prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) orders. Antihistamines reduce mild allergy symptoms like itching skin or watery eyes; these drugs may also be part of an immunotherapy plan designed to gradually increase tolerance to allergens over time.
At your visit with a healthcare professional, it is crucial that you discuss all your symptoms and when they occur. This allows them to determine if an allergen could be the source and create an asthma action plan tailored specifically to you.
Allergic testing with skin prick tests or bloodwork can help identify allergens which could be contributing to asthma symptoms, while lung function tests provide insights into how well your lungs are working and whether inflammation in your airways has been managed effectively.
An allergy asthma attack often begins with mold, often found in damp places such as basements and attics. Other triggers could include pet dander (dried skin flakes), pollen, strong chemicals and smoke – or stress, exercise or viral infections. Working closely with your doctor and devising an asthma action plan, you can manage symptoms more effectively while limiting exposure to allergens that exacerbate symptoms and live an independent life.
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