Allergic asthma can produce symptoms including itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and wheezing when exposed to allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold growths or pollen in trees, grass or pollen – and may trigger attacks which become life-threatening.
People suffering from allergic asthma can use various treatments, including rescue inhalers, steroids to reduce inflammation, and bronchodilators that open airways. Leukotriene modifiers and mast cell stabilizers may also provide benefits, while immunotherapy (allergy shots) may reduce immune system responses over time.
Symptoms
Allergic asthma develops when allergens found in your environment (such as pollen, dust mites, animal dander, mold spores and even certain foods) enter the body and trigger symptoms like wheezing, tight chest and shortness of breath. Allergens cause the immune system to overreact, leading to inflammation of airways and narrowing them over time. As such, breathing becomes increasingly difficult over time.
As soon as someone with allergic asthma inhales an allergen, their immune systems overreact and release chemicals called leukotrienes and histamines into their airways, increasing blood flow to tighten muscles around their airways (bronchoconstriction) as well as thicken mucus coating their airways, making breathing more difficult.
Allergens that may trigger allergy-induced asthma include pet dander – skin and fur from animals that shed; pollen from trees, grasses and weeds; mold spores; dust mites; and cockroach feces, saliva and body parts – commonly found both inside the home and out in nature. All these allergens contribute to allergic symptoms in people.
Allergic asthma symptoms range in severity from mild to severe and can progress into an asthma flare-up or exacerbation attack, known as an asthma flare-up or exacerbation. Common signs include chest tightness, wheezing and difficulty breathing – symptoms that must be immediately treated otherwise they could develop into respiratory distress requiring emergency medical assistance.
Diagnosis
Healthcare professionals will assess your symptoms and history to diagnose this condition, before performing lung function tests which include breathing tests before and after inhaling bronchodilators to open up airways; if these improve, this confirms you have asthma due to allergies.
Your healthcare professional will also inquire into your family medical history and symptoms, specifically how and when they worsened. They’ll want to know about the environments of work, home, and school as this information helps them identify triggers that cause allergies or asthma attacks.
People suffering from allergic asthma experience an overreaction of their immune systems when exposed to allergens like pollen, pet dander, mold or food. This causes their airways to become inflamed and narrowed causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath symptoms.
Additionally to a physical exam, your healthcare provider may suggest skin prick or blood allergy testing. This process involves applying small amounts of different allergens to the skin before pricking with a sterile needle to test reactions such as reddening and swelling in that area. Blood tests can identify IgE antibodies against specific allergens; those who suffer from allergic asthma are more likely to have eczema-prone conditions like atopic dermatitis as a comorbid condition.
Treatment
No cure exists for allergic asthma, but treatments can alleviate symptoms and stop them from worsening. People suffering from both allergies and asthma should work with their physician to devise an action plan which may include medications, avoidance of triggers or lifestyle modifications as part of an effective action plan.
Antihistamines can help ease mild to moderate allergy symptoms like itchy skin or runny nose. You can take these antihistamines either orally (via pills, liquids, nasal sprays) or sublingually (under your tongue).
Nasal corticosteroids help reduce swelling and inflammation in the nose and throat, which may contribute to congestion. They come as nasal sprays, tablets or drops; mast cell stabilizers prevent histamine release that triggers allergic-related swelling and itching in both nose and eyes; these medicines may be taken either orally (via pills or nasal spray).
Controller medications, commonly taken daily to reduce inflammation and swelling in the airways, such as pills, solutions or syrups are often the first medicines prescribed for allergic asthma. Long-acting muscarinic antagonists reduce swelling as an alternative or rescue medicine when sudden symptoms arise; leukotriene modifiers like montelukast (Singulair) or omalizumab (Xolair) are also available as antihistamine medications that may help manage allergic rhinitis symptoms or treat severe asthma attacks.
Prevention
There is no cure for asthma, but treatment can help limit symptoms and attacks and allow individuals to live normal lives. Key prevention strategies focus on limiting exposure to known triggers like pet dander, mold spores, dust mites and pollen; taking medications that reduce airway inflammation regularly; as well as keeping their weight under control.
Medical professionals can assist individuals in pinpointing what triggers their asthma by conducting a physical exam and running various tests, including lung function (spirometry) and allergy testing. Allergy testing may involve skin pricks or blood tests to identify specific allergens such as pet dander, dust mites, mold and pollen that could be contributing to asthma symptoms.
Other potential asthma triggers may include secondhand smoke, exercise, viral respiratory infections and certain drugs and food additives (like sulfites) added to foods to prevent spoilage or discoloration. A family history of allergic or autoimmune disease also increases your risk.
Individuals suffering from allergic asthma should limit exposure to common allergens and develop an asthma action plan in coordination with a healthcare provider. Medication to reduce airway inflammation such as inhaled steroids or anti-inflammatory drugs, leukotriene modifiers or similar treatments may also be prescribed by their healthcare providers; keeping a diary can also help track symptoms and identify what makes or worsens them.
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