Allergic Asthma is the chronic inflammation of the lungs that various factors, including genetics, environment, and lifestyle, can cause. It is a disease that affects many people daily. It's an inflammation of the airways, which can cause breathing issues and even death if not treated properly. But is asthma allergic or non allergic asthma? While some forms of asthma are not allergic, many cases of asthma are triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. It is caused by an over-reaction of theimmune system to these allergens, leading to symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Allergic asthma can be treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, OTC inhalers for asthma, allergy shots, and the avoidance of allergens. We'll explain: Is asthma an allergy? How this difference works and why you should always ask your doctor about allergic asthma symptoms before assuming the asthma causes them.
What is Allergic Asthma?
Do you know about Allergic Asthma? Allergic asthma is a chronic respiratory condition identified by inflammation of the airways triggered by allergic reactions, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.
Highlight the connection between allergies and asthma
The connection between Asthma and allergies is quite the same, and can say it can occur together because they share the same substance in various ways, such as:
Allergens like pollen, dust mites (eye mites), animal dander, and mold can lead to allergic sensitization in individuals, making them more prone to allergic reactions and Asthma.
Wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath are commonly shared by allergies and Asthma.
Some individuals suffer from allergic Asthma, where the allergen directly triggers asthma symptoms.
Allergies and Asthma involve an inflammatory response in the airways. Allergens can stimulate an immune response, resulting in inflammation and narrowing of the airways, ultimately leading to asthma symptoms.
Allergic reactions release histamine and other chemicals that cause inflammation and narrowing of the airways. This also occurs during an asthma attack.
There is a genetic predisposition to both allergies and Asthma. If either condition runs in a family, an individual may be more susceptible to developing both conditions.
Children with allergies, particularly those with allergic rhinitis, have a higher likelihood of developing Asthma later in life.
It has been observed that some individuals experience the "atopic March," where they develop an allergic condition like eczema during infancy, followed by allergic rhinitis, and eventually Asthma.
Exposure to environmental allergens during early childhood, such as a combination of allergens with tobacco, smoke and pollution, can increase the risk of developing allergies and Asthma.
Allergies and Asthma involve an exaggerated immune response to typically harmless substances, resulting in allergic reactions and asthma symptoms.
Types of Allergic Asthma
Extrinsic or Allergic Asthma
This type is triggered by specific allergens such as pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites, leading to an immune system response and asthma symptoms.
Intrinsic or Non-Allergic Asthma
Unlike allergic asthma, intrinsic asthma is not triggered by allergens but may result from factors like stress, exercise, irritants (smoke, pollution), respiratory infections, or changes in weather.
What are the allergic asthma symptoms?
The common allergic asthma symptoms are given below:
wheezing
Allergic asthma cough
difficulty in breathing
Other symptoms of allergic asthma may also be caused due to effect of allergens on different parts of the body such as,
Itchy, watery eyes
runny nose
skin rashes
swelling on the fingers
Hives
swelling in the mouth or tongue (especially when the allergen is ingested)
What causes Allergic Asthma?
If the allergen affects the nose, it causes congestion and sneezing.
If it affects the lungs, it may cause inflammation of the windpipe thereby causing bronchoconstriction which blocks the airways, resulting in shortness of breath and tightness of the chest.
Thus, the same allergens that trigger an allergic reaction can also trigger signs and symptoms of allergic asthma. This form of reactive asthma is called Allergic Asthma.
What triggers Allergic asthma?
Learn how to identify allergic asthma triggers. Once you identify what allergic triggers your sensitive immune response, you can learn how to minimize your interactions with these allergens.
How to know if you have asthma?
Are you worried about “How to test for allergic asthma?” Asthma that is non-allergic and exercise-induced is difficult to diagnose. But allergic asthma can be tested and confirmed for its allergic causes. The doctor will ask you to perform any one of these asthma test.
Asthma tests include:
IgE antibody test
The doctor will take a small sample of your blood to test for the presence of IgE antibodies. The detection of high levels of IgE in the blood is a sign of an allergic response, confirming that your asthma is caused by an allergy. So, go for this IgE antibody test immediately.
Bronchoprovocation test
The healthcare provider will expose you to different allergens to see your reaction to each allergen. The procedure is carried out in a controlled environment, and the doctor asks you to breathe in small samples of the allergen to avoid serious allergic reactions. After the Bronchoprovocation test procedure, you will know the possible trigger of your allergic asthma. If there is no positive result, your asthma may have a different cause.
Is Allergic Asthma Dangerous?
While some forms of asthma are not allergic, many cases of asthma are triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, mold, or animal dander. A person may develop Allergic Asthma due to an overreaction of the immune system to these allergens. The majority of people who suffer from asthma have an immune system that reacts poorly to certain environmental factors. These individuals may develop an asthma allergy to,
Airborne particles (pollens) in grasses, trees, and plants
Animal dander
Mold spores from household dust mites
Pollen from flowers (such as ragweed)
Cockroach feces; dust mite feces
Mold spores from cat litter boxes or carpet dusting pads
Dust mites themselves
Pet dander, pet hair.
Since the immune response is weak, the individual's immune system creates a coping mechanism for exposure to such allergens. When you breathe in an allergen such as pollen or duct.
Allergic Asthma Treatment Options -
Treatment for allergic asthma involves providing instant relief from chest tightness allergies and shortness of breath. Allergic asthma medication that helps promote easy breathing is,
Rescue inhalers
Also called short-acting bronchodilators. Their effects are quick and short-lasting, with effects lasting between 4-6 hours after use. Nasal sprays containing Salbutamol (Asthalin) or Albuterol (Proair).
Controller medications
Asthma allergy medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids (Mometasone, Asmanex) and foods help to reduce inflammation in the airways by reducing swelling around the airway walls.
Long-acting bronchodilators
Steroid inhalers contain either Budesonide (budesonide liposome inhaler), Beclomethasone (salmeterol inhaler), or Fluticasone (fluticasone propionate inhaler).
Anti-leukotriene drugs
These drugs shut down the effects of leukotriene, the molecules that trigger airway inflammation. Ex. Montelukast (Singulair)
List of Allergic Asthma Medication
Allergic asthma medication are mentioned below:
Inhaled Corticosteroids
Antileukotrienes
Ventolin (Albuterol)
Immunotherapy
Theophylline
Antibody Treatment
Bronchodilators
Combination Inhalers
PROVENTIL HFA (Albuterol Inhaler)
Prevention and Management
Avoiding allergic triggers is the most important way to prevent allergic asthma. People having a weak immune response to environmental allergens can try:
Avoid allergens like dust, Monitor pollen forecasts, and try to stay indoors during high pollen seasons. Keep windows closed, use air purifiers, and avoid outdoor activities that may expose you to allergens.
If you're allergic to pet dander, consider not having pets with fur or feathers. If you do have pets, keep them out of bedrooms and other enclosed spaces.
Say no to tobacco and wood smoke. Limit outdoor activities near high-traffic areas when pollution is higher.
Avoid strong perfumes, cleaning chemicals, and other irritants that can trigger asthma symptoms.
Practice good hand hygiene to reduce the risk of viral infections, which can worsen asthma.
Also Read: Viral fever symptoms, causes & treatment
Allergic Asthma Self-Care
Allergic asthma self-care involves identifying and avoiding triggers, adhering to prescribed medications, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to manage symptoms & enhance overall well-being. The main points of allergic asthma home remedies are mentioned below:
Using allergen-proof bedspreads and mattresses.
Using a vacuum with high-efficiency particulate air filters.
Keeping dust to a minimum with regular cleaning.
Washing clothes and personal belongings regularly.
Getting rid of fabrics that trap dust, e.g., carpets, rugs.
Personal care in Seasonal Asthma
Family allergy asthma: tips for personal care in seasonal asthma
Using a face mask when going out
Washing hands before touching your mouth and nose
Avoiding foods that contain allergens
Carry an allergic asthma inhaler to avoid an allergic asthma attack.
If you know that some weather can worsen your asthma, follow the weather forecast to stay ahead of the game. Be prepared for the rain and the increase in pollen in the air by taking appropriate measures. Follow our personal care tips for seasonal asthma.
Conclusion
Asthma is a serious and common disease that, if left untreated, can cause permanent damage to your respiratory system. It can be controlled with medications, but some people will still need to use an allergic asthma inhaler and keep their asthma under control with lifestyle changes such as avoiding allergic asthma triggers like pets or foods that trigger allergic reactions. I hope my blog on "Allergic Asthma" has complete essential information.
Allergy and Asthma Specialists: If you have any allergy & asthma issues, connect with the best allergy doctors and asthma specialists in India.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is allergic asthma?
Allergic asthma is when certain things you're allergic to, like pollen or pet dander, make it hard to breathe by causing swelling & narrowing of the airways.
Do allergies make you cough ?
Yes, allergies can potentially cause chest pain & wheezing, often as a result of respiratory inflammation and tightness of airways.
Can allergies cause shortness of breath?
Yes, allergies may cause shortness of breath by triggering inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Is asthma an allergy?
Asthma and allergies are related, but asthma is a chronic respiratory condition, while allergies involve an immune response to specific triggers.
Is allergic asthma dangerous?
Allergic asthma can be serious, as it involves the risk of asthma attacks and respiratory complications triggered by allergens.
Can allergic asthma kill you?
Even though they are uncommon, severe allergic asthma attacks can be fatal, underscoring the need for appropriate care.
What does allergy-induced asthma feel like?
Allergy induced asthma feels like wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing during an asthma attack triggered by allergens.
Can allergic asthma be permanently treated?
Allergic Asthma is a condition triggered by external allergens such as dust and pollen. It occurs due to the person's immune response to such an allergen. There is no permanent cure for allergic asthma. People suffering from this condition must take preventative measures and equip themselves with prescribed medication that provides symptomatic relief.
What is the difference between allergies and asthma?
The difference is in the site of occurrence. While an environmental allergen triggers both, if the reaction occurs in the nose, it will cause congestion and sneezing, a common allergy symptom. But if the reaction occurs in the lungs, it may cause inflammation of the airway, which blocks regular breathing, also called an asthma attack.
Which inhaler is the best for an asthma attack?
A widely used inhaler for sudden asthma attacks contains Salbutamol which instantly dilates the bronchioles to widen the airway and promote breathing. Another drug used to provide instant relief is Albuterol.
What does asthma feel like?
An asthma attack is characterized by a sudden and severe difficulty in breathing, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Can allergies cause chest pain & wheezing?
Yes, allergies can cause chest pain and wheezing due to respiratory inflammation and airway tightness, especially in individuals with allergic asthma.
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