Allergies can lead to asthma symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing in some individuals. With allergic asthma, immune systems overreact to allergens such as dust mites, mold spores, pet dander or pollen that provoke their response and trigger asthma symptoms.
Working with an allergist/immunologist to identify and avoid triggers is key to improving quality of life. Medication such as bronchodilators or steroids may help control inflammation and alleviate symptoms.
Symptoms
Allergies and asthma are often linked, since both can make breathing difficult. Allergic asthma is a specific form of asthma triggered by inhaling allergens which cause an inappropriate immune reaction from our immune systems. Common symptoms for both conditions are tightness in the chest, difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing.
Allergens can be found anywhere in the air and may include pollen from trees, grasses and weeds; mold spores; dust mite feces, saliva or dander; cockroaches and rodents; as well as certain foods. People with allergic asthma may find their symptoms are worsened by environmental pollutants like tobacco smoke, wood-burning fires or strong odors; exercise; cold air conditions and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
When exposed to allergens, our immune systems produce proteins called antibodies which bind with them, leading to the release of inflammatory chemicals which cause airways to swell and narrow, making breathing hard for some individuals and leading to symptoms like dry cough, wheezing or shortness of breath. Stress further aggravates these conditions by leading to increased levels of cortisol production which in turn leads to inflammation which produces further swelling and causes further release of cortisol leading to further swelling of airways and further immune reactions.
Diagnosis
Healthcare providers typically begin diagnosing Allergic Asthma by reviewing an individual’s medical history and conducting a physical exam, followed by lung function tests or spirometry to measure how quickly air is exhaled from their lungs.
Allergic asthma develops when airways become hypersensitive to substances known as allergens – such as pollen, mold spores, dust mites, animal dander and some foods – known as allergens. When inhaled, allergens activate an overactive immune response in which antibodies bind directly with airway walls causing swelling, tightening and overproduction of mucus; making breathing difficult while potentially leading to coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or tight chest symptoms.
Healthcare professionals can use an individual’s personal and family medical history to identify if they are at risk of allergies and asthma. People who have had family history of either are more likely to develop them themselves.
Allergy blood testing (or IgE test), when conducted properly, can help healthcare providers make an accurate diagnosis of allergy-related asthma symptoms. It measures IgE, or immunoglobulin E antibodies directed against hundreds of allergens; combined with medical history review and physical exam findings, results help healthcare providers design an effective treatment plan. In addition to keeping track of symptoms and what may trigger them for follow up appointments with healthcare professionals.
Treatment
Allergic asthma develops when an overreactive immune system reacts to allergens (such as cat dander or pollen) entering through the nose, eyes or mouth and enters through nasal passageways, inhalation or mouth breathing. Once these allergens enter our bodies they trigger chemicals which trigger inflammation in our airways leading to symptoms like wheezing coughing shortness of breath requiring emergency medical assistance for relief.
Treatment options for allergic asthma may include avoiding allergens that trigger symptoms and taking medications to reduce inflammation in the airways. An individual diagnosed with allergic asthma should collaborate with their healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan of relief medications (such as quick-relief medicines and long-term control medicines) as well as allergy shots to manage symptoms effectively. In addition, an inhaler or nebulizer device and allergy medicines such as nasal corticosteroids, antihistamines or leukotriene modifiers may also be recommended to manage symptoms effectively.
Allergy immunotherapy is a preventive therapy that gradually exposes your body to small doses of allergen over time, gradually desensitizing your immune system to it and lessening symptoms over time. You can do this through allergy shots or tablets that dissolve sublingually; although allergic asthma cannot be cured completely, regular doctor visits may help manage symptoms and avoid serious flare-ups. If symptoms worsen significantly call 911 or go directly to an emergency room.
Prevention
Medication and other management tools may help prevent allergic asthma flare-ups. But it’s also essential to identify your allergy triggers and limit exposure, in addition to other triggers that could exacerbate symptoms, such as viral respiratory infections, exercise, air pollutants (such as factory emissions or wildfire smoke), stressors such as traffic or the weather and certain drugs as well as food additives and allergens that intensify symptoms.
Carry an Epi pen (epinephrine self-injecting device) as untreated anaphylaxis can be life threatening. If you notice symptoms such as swelling in your throat, lips, tongue or eyes, difficulty breathing, wheezing, hives or fainting it is crucial that medical aid be sought immediately.
Allergies and asthma tend to run in families; infants born to parents who both suffer from allergies or atopic dermatitis have an increased risk of allergies or asthma themselves; this risk increases significantly if they also have siblings living with these conditions.
Preventative medicine can be the key to relieving symptoms associated with asthma and allergies. Understanding your triggers and limiting their exposure will greatly decrease asthma attacks, and regular preventer medication use will give greater control over symptoms. It may also be worthwhile getting tested for allergies to determine what triggers them.
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