Allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust mites and mold spores can trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing and shortness of breath in susceptible individuals, making this condition potentially serious and in need of immediate medical intervention. It requires treatment from a licensed physician.
An allergist can provide a comprehensive evaluation that includes reviewing medical history, breathing tests (spirometry), and allergy testing such as skin prick or blood tests. They may also offer allergy immunotherapy treatments which teach your body to adapt more gradually to allergens over time through shots or tablets that dissolve under your tongue.
Symptoms
Inflammation in the airways leads to narrowed passageways, making breathing harder than before. If left unchecked, this can result in life-threatening asthma attacks – wherein muscle tightening (bronchoconstriction) tightens further narrowing them and leads to excess mucus production resulting in blocked oxygen supply and symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness – typical signs of allergic asthma.
Like non-allergic asthma, which is typically triggered by exercise, cold air or respiratory infections, allergy-induced symptoms are caused by histamine production in response to exposure to allergens like pollen, animal dander or dust mites – an inflammatory agent released when exposed to them can trigger reactions such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin rashes – typically seen with other allergy conditions.
One common allergen that triggers allergic asthma is mold spores, found in damp and humid environments. Another popular trigger is grass and tree pollen which travels long distances through the air. Other possible triggers may include animal dander, cockroach allergens (found in their feces, saliva and body parts that become airborne) as well as cigarette smoke. By managing their exposure with medications like corticosteroids or bronchodilators they can help people live more fulfilling lives.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing allergic asthma involves reviewing your medical history, performing a physical exam and lung tests, as well as looking at symptoms like coughing that does not stop, wheezing and shortness of breath upon being exposed to certain allergens. An attack of allergic asthma is potentially life-threatening and requires medical assistance immediately; other symptoms may include blueish fingernails or lips in those with light skin complexions as well as fatigue from fighting for oxygen into their lungs.
Doctors will inquire into both your family medical history and symptoms. It is essential to report when and why symptoms appear, what seems to trigger them and their frequency.
Allergies can trigger the immune system, inflaming and narrowing airways and making breathing difficult. Breathing in allergens such as pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, trees grass or weeds is known to exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger attacks causing coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath symptoms. Common triggers include pet dander mold dust mites trees grass or weeds as potential asthma triggers.
If healthcare professionals suspect you have allergies, blood tests can detect antibodies to specific allergens like pollen, mold spores, food allergens or animal dander. Additional lung testing such as spirometry or fractional exhaled nitrous oxide (FeNO) tests may also be conducted if diagnosis does not produce definitive answers.
Treatment
If you suffer from allergies and asthma, medication can help control symptoms. Speak with your physician first before beginning taking any medication.
They will ask about your symptoms, when they occur and family history before conducting various lung tests such as spirometry and fractional exhaled nitrogen oxide (FeNO) to see how well your lungs are working. In addition, allergy skin testing may also be done to identify what substances might cause allergic reactions.
Treatment for allergic asthma usually entails both quick-relief medications and long-term controller medications. Quick-relief medicines help reduce inflammation and swelling in your lungs during an attack; examples include inhaled steroids like Budesonide (Advil, Oralair) or cicleseptin (Omniprep).
Long-term controller medicines help prevent airway inflammation and narrowing, such as Azathioprine (Imuran) and Prednisone (Orazeone, Prolactin).
People suffering from severe allergic asthma have access to several biologic medications available through injection that work differently to prevent inflammation from starting. Examples of such drugs include omalizumab (Xolair) and mepolizumab (Nucala).
Some individuals suffering from allergic asthma have mild forms, and do not require medication. They should still avoid allergens that trigger their symptoms – this might mean closing windows during peak pollen seasons, washing clothes and toys frequently and using a humidifier at home.
Prevention
Many individuals suffering from allergies also have asthma. Seasonal pollen, dust mites, pet dander and other allergens found in seasonal pollen can trigger asthma symptoms; thus identifying and avoiding allergy triggers is key in helping alleviate symptoms and minimize need for medication.
Allergy blood tests can provide healthcare providers with essential insight into which allergens they’re allergic to and their treatments plans accordingly.
Healthcare professionals may suggest taking multiple medications at the same time to treat both allergies and asthma, often inhalers called bronchodilators. Leukotriene modifiers (like montelukast) help block chemical releases responsible for allergic reactions or inflammation of airways.
Healthcare professionals may also recommend environmental control measures, including clearing away dust and mold in the home, using an air purifier, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak pollen times. Avoiding tobacco smoke and other respiratory irritants may help decrease symptoms as well. In certain instances, immunotherapy may provide beneficial results by gradually exposing small doses of allergen to reduce susceptibility over a period of time to desensitize immune systems to specific allergens.
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