Allergies and asthma are two of the most common chronic diseases and they are interrelated. Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which breathing becomes difficult due to compression or narrowing of the aerial passage. At the same time, allergies have a wide range of effects on people’s health. Allergies can affect your diet and influence your breathing, causing reactions to the products you use.
You would be surprised to know that allergies mostly complement asthma and are generally termed allergy-related asthma. When you inhale an allergen, your airways constrict, which results in allergic asthma. Although this is the most common cause of allergy-related asthma, every case is somewhat different. For Mumbaikars, it is better to consult the best pulmonologist in Mumbai before opting for any medicine or treatment.
Allergies and asthma frequently coexist in patients. Many people are unaware of the connection between asthma and allergy, preventing them from getting an effective treatment.
What Causes Allergies And Asthma?
Pollen, dust mites, and pet dander are the major causing agents of allergic rhinitis or hay fever symptoms which inturn are the most common causes of asthma. Some people have asthma symptoms triggered by food or skin allergies. It is referred to as “allergic asthma”.
Even though allergic asthma is highly common, there are other asthma types with varied triggers. Infections, exercise, gastroesophageal reflux disease, cold air, or stress are some known causes that trigger asthma in people. Additionally, many people suffer from multiple asthma triggers.
A family history of allergies is a significant risk factor for allergic asthma. If you have hay fever or other allergies, you are at a higher risk of developing asthma. It happens because allergies and asthma triggers can change over time, and keeping yourself well-informed is the best way to prevent them.
Symptoms of Allergies And Asthma
Both allergies and asthma can bring on respiratory symptoms like coughing and congested airways. However, each of these diseases also has specific symptoms. Allergies can lead to the following symptoms:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing
- Running nose
- Throat irritation
- Rashes
Those symptoms are typically not brought on by asthma. Instead, asthmatics more frequently encounter the following symptoms:
- Chest discomfort
- Wheezing
- Breathlessness
- Coughing late at night or early in the morning.
How is Allergic-Asthma Diagnosed?
Asthma can be diagnosed using lung tests such as spirometry. However, allergic asthma requires a medical history and a blood or skin test to identify the condition’s triggers.
Each patient may have different management and treatment options depending on their condition and medical history. Every treatment generally follows a two-pronged strategy. These include:
- Allergy management and treatment.
- Monitoring and treating asthmatic lung effects.
Common Treatment Options Available for Allergic Asthma
The vast majority of treatments aim either at allergic rhinitis or asthma. A few medicines can help with both illnesses. Here are some examples:
Allergy injections (immunotherapy):
Allergy injections help cure asthma by gradually reducing the sensitivity of the patient’s immune system to some allergy triggers. Immunotherapy involves injecting several allergens into the body at regular intervals. With these injections, their immune system develops a tolerance to the allergens over time, and their allergic symptoms subside. As a result, asthmatic symptoms improve. This type of treatment usually entails a series of injections over time.
Leukotriene modifier:
Leukotriene modifiers are a group of medications that are taken to prevent breathing issues associated with allergies, and asthma. This treatment helps alleviate allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
IgE therapy (anti-immunoglobulin E):
When people have an allergy, their immune system recognises a certain substance as dangerous and produces IgE antibodies to fight them. Further, when they come in contact with these allergens, the immune system releases chemicals into the bloodstream that triggers asthma.
Omalizumab (Xolair):
It is a medication that blocks IgE into the body to prevent allergic reactions that cause asthma symptoms. Although it may help with allergic rhinitis, this medicine is only recommended for people with severe asthma.
Additional medications may be required to control allergies or asthma, according to the severity of the cases. One of the most important things you can do is identify and avoid the things that aggravate one’s symptoms.
Conclusion
Several contaminants cause allergies and asthma. Generally, allergens are also known as asthma triggers because they cause asthma attacks. Although there is a direct link between allergies and asthma, many other triggers exist. Moreover, asthmatics may have multiple triggers. Therefore, it is essential to be aware of various triggers when you attempt to control your symptoms. In addition, patients with asthma and allergies can effectively treat both conditions if they are well-informed. It is recommended to consult the best pulmonologist in Mumbai and get the best treatment advice.
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