Asthma and allergies are two disorders that have a lot in common. A persistent respiratory disorder called asthma causes the airways to narrow, making breathing challenging. Whereas the immune system's reaction to a foreign substance, such as pollen or pet dander, causes allergies. For those who have allergies and asthma, managing these ailments together can be difficult.
For those who have allergies and asthma, managing these ailments together can be difficult. The relationship between allergens and asthma will be examined in this essay. We will also offer helpful advice on how to control them jointly.
What Is An Allergy?
Millions of people worldwide suffer from allergies, a common medical problem. Regardless of age, gender, or race, it can afflict anyone. When your body's natural defenses or immune system react poorly to harmless chemicals, an allergic reaction happens.
The common symptoms of allergies are:
- Sickness-like sensation
- Eyes, lips, throat, or mouth swelling
- Cheek, eye, or forehead pain or sensitivity
- Diarrhea
- A rash or itchy skin
- Breathlessness, wheezing, or coughing
- Sneezing or a runny nose
- An obstructed nose
What Is Asthma?
It usually affects your lungs because asthma is a persistent medical issue. Breathing becomes difficult due to the disease's effects on your airways, which include inflammation and constriction.
What Are Asthma Symptoms?
The typical asthma symptoms include (but are not limited to):
- Breathlessness
- Coughing a lot
- Anxiety in the chest
- Wheezing
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blue lips or fingers
What is the Relationship Between Asthma and Allergies?
A hyperactive immune system contributes to both allergies and asthma. Antibodies are created by the immune system when it comes into contact with an invader. If you have allergies, your immune system produces antibodies as a defence against unharmful elements like pollen, dust mites, or pet dander. The allergic asthma symptoms are typically:
- Cough
- Wheeze
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Breathlessness
- Chest tightening
Regular Causes of Allergic Asthma
Small enough allergens to breathe deeply into the lungs include:
- Tree, grass, and weed pollen carried by the wind
- Mould spores and dirt
- Saliva and hair, skin, or feather dander from animals
- Faeces of dust mites
- Cockroach poop
How to treat Asthma?
You can probably improve your symptoms by taking steps to control your allergies. To treat attacks, however, you could still require allergy and asthma drugs.
Try saline rinses, decongestant nasal sprays (but only for a few days), and nasal allergy drugs that don't make you tired. Use harsher antihistamines and nasal steroid sprays if these don't help. If none of this works, it might be time to discuss allergy shots with a doctor.
There are a variety of effective asthma treatments, but the majority call for a prescription. Bronchodilators, which widen your airways, and inhaled steroids, which combat inflammation, are some of these drugs. A medicine known as Xolair, an injection that lowers IgE levels, can be helpful if more conventional treatments are ineffective for your allergic asthma. In addition, you may be prescribed tiotropium bromide (Spiriva Respimat), a long-acting anticholinergic drug, in addition to your regular maintenance drugs to aid with symptom control.
Also Read: Asthma: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments
How to Prevent Allergic Asthma?
Here are some tips to control your allergic asthma:
- Stay in when pollen counts are high.
- Try avoid dust mites. Put allergen-proof covers on your pillows and mattress. Wash your sheets and other linens in hot water once a week.
- Get rid of things like thick drapes, upholstered furniture, and heaps of clothing that might attract dust.
- Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to control the growth of allergens and molds.
- Get your pets tested to determine if they are the source of your allergy. If you can, keep them outside or at least keep them away from the bedroom.
- To avoid molds and cockroaches keep your kitchen and bathroom clean and dry.
Managing allergies and asthma requires a comprehensive approach that focuses on both preventing exposure to triggers and controlling symptoms. Call your doctor immediately when you the above-mentioned symptoms.
Agilus Diagnostics, a subsidiary of Fortis Healthcare Limited
