Allergens such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander can trigger asthma attacks and symptoms. Treatment options available to alleviate and manage asthma/allergy symptoms may include medication.
An allergist can assist those living with allergic asthma by identifying their individual allergy triggers and providing prevention strategies such as immunotherapy (allergy shots or tablets that dissolve under the tongue) to build tolerance to allergens.
Symptoms
Allergies result from an immune system’s overreaction when exposed to substances that normally don’t affect the body, like pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Immune system proteins called antibodies identify allergens and respond by narrowing and swelling airways; the subsequent irritation often manifests itself through runny noses, sneezing fits and itchy eyes or skin; some individuals even report wheezing when breathing.
Allergens that trigger asthma symptoms can include pollen from trees, grasses and weeds; mold spores; and the skin flakes or fur of pets (particularly cats and dogs). Humidity may also act as an allergen trigger as it allows air pollutants to linger longer in the air; plus some people may develop an allergic reaction to cockroaches.
Asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness that feels as though something is pressing down or sitting on your chest. In addition, asthma can result in fatigue from all the extra effort it requires to breathe effectively. Untreated asthma can result in emergency room visits that disrupt work or school schedules and can impede daily activities such as grocery shopping, exercising and attending social functions. Uncontrolled asthma also poses issues when engaging in daily tasks such as shopping or exercising – untreated asthma may create further obstacles and cause daily inconveniences that interfere with life’s routines. Asthma can be managed effectively using medicines such as bronchodilators to relax airway muscles, and anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling. Furthermore, allergy shots or tablets may help train immune systems not to overreact against certain allergens.
Diagnosis
For your doctor to diagnose allergic asthma accurately, they will first need to identify what factors are contributing to or worsening your symptoms. A detailed medical and family history is taken in order to identify any risk factors, such as allergies or asthma in the family history or history of eczema (atopic dermatitis).
Your doctor will conduct a physical exam and listen to how well your lungs are working, possibly ordering lung function tests as well as allergy testing (for instance skin prick or blood tests such as ELISA/RAST to look for antibodies against specific allergens).
Allergens can be found anywhere and can cause various health issues, including asthma. Some common allergens include pet dander, mold spores, tree pollen, grass pollen, ragweed and dust mites; by conducting tests to detect them and get results back from these tests your physician can create an asthma treatment plan tailored specifically to you.
Keep a symptom diary to identify triggers that worsen asthma symptoms. By understanding more clearly which triggers are impacting them, both you and your physician can more effectively manage them. Avoiding avoidable triggers and adhering to an asthma action plan will improve quality of life while decreasing flare-ups. Regular check-in appointments with your physician will allow them to assess how effectively your symptoms are being managed.
Treatment
Allergies can exacerbate asthma symptoms, narrowing airways and leading to mucus build-up that makes breathing more difficult, so those suffering from allergic asthma require treatment that addresses both their allergies and asthma symptoms simultaneously.
Allergy treatments typically include antihistamines, which work by decreasing histamine release during an allergic reaction. Doctors may also prescribe long-acting corticosteroids (inhaled steroids or oral corticosteroids). Leukotriene modifiers reduce inflammatory chemical production within airways and can be taken orally or by inhaler; such medication is often part of an integrated strategy of allergy and asthma treatments.
Immunotherapy or allergen-specific immunotherapy may provide long-term control for those suffering from allergy asthma. This treatment involves receiving regular injections of allergens to lower immune response and build tolerance over time. Immunotherapy treatments can be done in the doctor’s office or at home using subcutaneous immunotherapy injection technology (SIIT), which delivers injections under the skin directly.
Long-term allergy asthma treatments often focus on limiting exposure to substances that trigger asthma attacks, such as mold spores or pet dander in your home environment. Your doctor can suggest strategies such as hiring someone to cut the grass regularly or washing stuffed animals regularly in order to eliminate animal dander from the environment.
Prevention
Though there is no cure for allergic asthma, prevention strategies can help mitigate symptoms and limit flare-ups. The key to successful management is identifying your triggers – typically allergens like pet dander (fur or skin flakes), mold spores, dust mites, pollen from trees, grass, weeds or ragweed pollen may trigger reactions; other allergens could include beer, wine, potatoes or dried fruit as well as certain medicines like beta-blockers and ACE inhibitors commonly prescribed to treat high blood pressure conditions.
As part of your preventive treatment strategy, the initial step should be avoiding whatever allergen is triggering your symptoms. Once this has been accomplished, your doctor may recommend allergy medicine in form of nasal spray, pill or liquid for you to take. In some instances, allergy shots may also help decrease allergic asthma symptoms.
Preventive measures could include receiving flu shots annually, keeping up-to-date on your vaccinations, and washing frequently after activities where grass or dust could pose as potential allergens. In addition to your regular medications, your healthcare professional may create an asthma action plan designed specifically to your situation and circumstances – it’s important that you follow it closely and notify him or her of any changes that arise, so he or she can alter medications and treatments as necessary.
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