Pollen, dust mites, pet dander and food allergies that trigger allergic rhinitis symptoms also often bring on asthma attacks; medication can help control these symptoms effectively.
Riley at IU Health allergists offer allergy testing services to identify allergens that trigger asthma attacks, as well as create an asthma management plan to include avoiding triggers and taking rescue inhalers as needed.
Symptoms
As soon as an allergen such as pet dander, pollen or mold spores enter your system, your immune system goes into overdrive to fight them off. Your airways tighten, muscles around them contract and lung tissues produce extra mucus in an effort to expel invaders – leading to symptoms like wheezing, breathlessness and tightness in the chest.
Allergies and asthma are related, though not everyone who has allergies also has asthma. Common allergy-related symptoms are runny nose, itchy eyes and sneezing; this happens because your immune system overreacts and sends antibodies directly into the sinuses, lungs, nasal passages or skin in response to allergens that enter.
A quick and straightforward way to diagnose allergic asthma is visiting an allergist, who will conduct several tests such as lung function testing and bloodwork, skin testing and blood work in addition to lung function tests and skin allergy testing to identify your allergens and determine what specific treatments might work. Based on what allergens they identify as likely sources, immunotherapy might also be recommended as a way of helping your body become less reactive to them.
Your allergist will prescribe medications to address both asthma and allergies that cause it. Bronchodilators help relax constricted muscles to open airflow; inhaled steroids reduce inflammation and stop production of mucus; anti-inflammatories regulate immune responses and keep airways from swelling; leukotriene modifiers protect against chemicals which aggravate asthma flare-ups.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and ask about any symptoms you are experiencing, before performing breathing tests such as spirometry (sih-por-TEE-mee) or an exhaled nitric oxide test [ex-haled NO-test]. These help determine how effectively your lungs are working as well as allergies that might be contributing to asthma symptoms.
Blood tests can measure levels of eosinophils and immunoglobulin E (IgE), proteins commonly seen in those suffering from allergic asthma. A chest X-ray or CT scan may also be performed as well as an electrocardiogram (EKG).
Talk with your healthcare professional about allergens at home, school and work that may be contributing to asthma symptoms in you or your child. They will be able to assess if there are allergies that could be triggering asthma attacks for both of you; allergens include pet dander, pollen, dust mites and mold spores – in addition to tobacco smoke, air pollution or certain cleaning chemicals which could also be potential triggers.
If your symptoms worsen at work but improve when leaving, occupational asthma could be to blame. Exposure to flour, grain or isocyanates (chemicals used as paint hardeners) could trigger it; understanding your triggers could make a major difference in managing symptoms effectively. Keep a diary detailing when your symptoms occur for best results.
Treatment
Allergens can trigger asthma symptoms by irritating the airways. These symptoms can range from mild to life-threatening, though medications can often control symptoms and reduce the risk of attacks. Your healthcare provider may suggest avoiding allergens altogether.
Healthcare professionals begin by asking about your symptoms and when they occur. Next, they use a spirometry test to measure how easily you breathe; skin tests and breathing exams may also be conducted as necessary.
Your doctor will prescribe long-term and quick relief asthma control medicines, such as inhaled corticosteroids such as floticasone (Flonase), budesonide (Pulmicort Flexhaler) and mometasone (Asmanex), to control inflammation in your lungs. They can be taken either orally or with a device called nebulizer for direct administration to the lungs.
Some individuals with allergic asthma experience exercise-induced symptoms that arise either during or after physical activity, which should be addressed quickly with quick-relief medicine and tips from their healthcare provider on avoiding such scenarios.
An allergy immunotherapy professional may also prescribe regular injections with small amounts of allergen to build tolerance over time and decrease its effect on your immune system. This involves receiving regular shots containing small doses of pollen, mold or pet dander in order to build tolerance over time.
Prevention
Pollen, dust mites and pet dander can trigger asthmatic symptoms for certain people, so keeping these allergens under control is one way of managing flare-ups and symptoms. Inhalers (drug pumps that deliver medication directly into the lungs) are one way of treating allergic asthma; alternatively your healthcare provider may prescribe allergy shots or biologic medicines.
Other things that can trigger asthma include strong odors, exercise, cold air and respiratory infections such as flu. A healthy diet, regular physical activity and staying up-to-date with vaccinations (including pneumococcal vaccine for pneumonia), can all help lower your risk.
Asthma can cause inflammation to narrow airways, making breathing harder than necessary. Therefore, it’s critical that flare-ups be prevented as often as possible; an asthma management plan with regular medication use and taking it at scheduled times is the best way to do this. It would also be prudent to have two epinephrine auto-injectors (two are included with each set) on hand in case of an adverse reaction; please speak with your physician regarding a comprehensive asthma management plan.
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