Allergic asthma is caused by breathing in allergens like dust mites, pet dander, mold spores and pollen from trees, grasses or weeds that irritates our airways and narrows them, resulting in inflammation, chest tightness, dry coughing and wheezing symptoms.
People suffering from allergic asthma should work closely with healthcare providers to identify and avoid allergens that cause symptoms. Allergy immunotherapy treatments such as allergy shots or tablets may also be recommended to ensure long-term control.
Symptoms
Allergic asthma differs from other forms of asthma in that its triggers include pollen, mold spores, dust mites, pet dander and certain foods. Individuals suffering from allergic asthma overreact to such substances and inflame and narrow the airways – leading to symptoms like wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness.
As soon as people with allergic asthma inhale an allergen, their immune systems react by secreting chemicals called histamines and leukotrienes into the airway, leading to swelling and producing mucus production in airways swell. When in contact with lungs these inflammatory chemicals may trigger symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin conditions (e.g. eczema).
Allergic asthma can be caused by other factors that don’t directly impact the lungs or immune system, including exercise, cold air, respiratory infections or medicines. Knowing your triggers and keeping a symptom diary will allow you to better avoid them – this will also allow you to identify when your asthma flares up more often so you can use quick-relief inhalers more frequently, and determine which medicines work for you best.
Diagnosis
Allergic asthma is typically brought on by allergens; however, other triggers include physical activity, respiratory infections, cold air and fumes, as well as certain medications. An attack causes airway muscles to tighten (bronchoconstriction) while inflammation ensues leading to excess mucus production. Individuals suffering from allergic asthma can sometimes overreact to certain triggers – including exercise, stress or extreme emotions – leading them to overreact significantly during attacks.
Diagnosing asthma usually begins with an evaluation from a healthcare professional. They will conduct an in-depth medical and family history analysis, particularly looking out for any relatives with allergies or asthma. A lung function test known as spirometry may be conducted to measure breathing abilities; skin prick testing, blood work or allergy shots may also be utilized to identify allergens which may be triggering symptoms.
Allergy immunotherapy can reduce sensitivity to allergens and alleviate both allergy and asthma symptoms over time. A treatment plan will be created, with the goal of avoiding allergens while taking long-term control medications to keep symptoms at bay; regular check-ups will take place in order to monitor severity and any changes to treatment, while individuals should keep a symptom diary to help identify triggers and track triggers.
Treatment
As allergens such as pollen, mold spores, pet dander or dust mites enter our bodies through inhalation, our immune systems identify them as threats and release chemicals such as histamines in order to defend ourselves against them. Histamines cause blood vessels to swell up with mucus production which then narrows airways further limiting breathing causing symptoms like runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes with watery discharge, sneezing, wheezing as well as wheezing.
Individuals suffering from allergy symptoms or asthma must take measures to control them, including keeping a symptom diary and working with their physician to create a personalized treatment plan that includes medications or avoidance of triggers.
Prescription medications, including steroids that reduce inflammation and bronchodilators that open up airways, are key in managing asthma symptoms. Individuals should also limit exposure to allergens by using an air purifier in their home and limiting outdoor activities on days when pollen counts are high. Immunotherapy treatments that teach your body to tolerate allergens over time could be an option; immunotherapy comes either via pills or injection – also referred to as allergy shots – available. Regular appointments with healthcare providers are necessary in monitoring asthma and allergy symptoms and ensure any treatment plans are working effectively while also helping prevent uncontrolled asthma from occurring.
Prevention
Asthma cannot be cured, but medical treatments may help relieve symptoms and prevent airway inflammation over time. These include medications designed to decrease allergic reactions (leukotriene modifiers such as Montelukast), as well as steroids to ease any inflammation if necessary. People living with asthma should also take steps to minimize exposure to mold, dust mites and pet dander triggers by keeping damp areas of their homes dry and clean; washing clothing and stuffed toys regularly; using allergen-proof mattress and pillowcase covers; as well as avoiding secondhand smoke from factories or wildfires – as these all can trigger attacks.
An individual can identify their asthma triggers by monitoring when their symptoms manifest themselves. If these flare up during spring or fall allergies to tree pollens, grasses, or weeds could be to blame; similarly if they appear after thunderstorms it could be because these events cause pollen grains to burst and release allergens into the atmosphere.
Finding out if food is a trigger can also be vital. If individuals are sensitive to sulfites found in products like beer, wine, dried fruit, potatoes and shrimp, this could aggravate symptoms further. Furthermore, being allergic to certain insects like cockroaches could exacerbate asthmatic attacks as well.
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