Here’s What It’s Really Like to Live With Allergic Asthma

Living with allergic asthma can be a real challenge, especially during those crisp spring mornings when pollen counts are high or those lazy days spent indoors with dust mites. For many people living with allergic asthma, summer signals good times and holiday breaks vacations with friends and longer days spent outside enjoying the warmer weather. However, for those who suffer from this chronic condition, spending time outdoors can trigger endless sneezing, labored wheezing and generally feeling downright miserable.

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that combines practically all of the triggers that cause inflammation in your airways. This results in classic symptoms of asthma such as shortness of breath, coughing, and tightness in the chest. According to the Cleveland Clinic, over 25 million people in America have some form of allergic asthma, making it one of the most common chronic conditions affecting people today. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that allergic asthma is responsible for more than half of all cases of asthma worldwide.

For those stuck inside because they have lived through not-so-enjoyable symptoms caused by managing allergic asthma living with this dual challenge can seem daunting at times. Allergens such as pollen grains or dust mites can enter your body through various means such as inhaling them or touching them to your skin triggering an allergic reaction causing itchy eyes or other uncomfortable symptoms that can be unpleasant to deal with on a daily basis.

Living with allergic asthma can be a challenge, as people may experience both asthma signs and hay fever allergic rhinitis symptoms. Mayo Clinic specialist explains that allergy-induced asthma is called allergic asthma, and it is caused by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, and food allergies. These allergens trigger the immune system to release substances that cause inflammation in the airways, leading to asthma symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

To manage symptoms and prevent attacks, people with allergic asthma need to identify their triggers and take steps to avoid them. Mayo Clinic allergy specialist answers questions about how to reduce exposure to allergens such as keeping indoor air clean with an air purifier and avoiding outdoor activities during high pollen count days. People with skin allergies should use fragrance-free soap and avoid harsh chemicals or materials that irritate the skin.

In addition to avoiding triggers, there are medications that can help control allergic asthma symptoms. Li MD PhD recommends using rescue inhalers during an attack and taking daily controller medications such as inhaled steroids or leukotriene modifiers to prevent attacks. It is important for individuals with allergic asthma to work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets their needs. With proper management strategies in place, people living with allergic asthma can lead healthy and active lives.

When an allergic response occurs, the immune system proteins antibodies mistakenly identify a harmless substance like tree pollen as a dangerous invader. These antibodies bind to the substance and trigger the release of chemicals such as histamine. The chemicals released by the immune system lead to allergy signs including nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, skin reactions, and more.

In some people, these chemicals can also cause inflammation in the airways leading to asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing and shortness of breath. This is why those with allergic asthma are at risk for asthma attacks when exposed to allergens they're sensitive to. Understanding how allergic reactions cause asthma symptoms can help those living with this condition manage their symptoms better by avoiding triggers or taking medications that reduce inflammation and prevent future attacks.

Yes, allergies and asthma are treated differently. While both conditions involve the immune system's response to specific triggers, the treatments used target different aspects of the body's response. For allergic rhinitis or seasonal allergies, a leukotriene modifier may be prescribed as a daily pill to help control the immune system chemicals released during an allergic reaction. This medication can also be used to treat asthma symptoms called bronchospasm.

Allergy shots (immunotherapy) are another way to treat allergies, gradually reducing the immune-system response to allergy triggers over time. This involves receiving regular injections of a tiny amount of the culprit allergen until the immune system builds up tolerance and allergic reactions diminish. As a result, asthma symptoms decrease as well. Treatment generally requires regular injections for several years.

For severe allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis that doesn't respond to other treatments, IGE therapy may be used. IGE therapy targets one aspect of the immune system where it mistakenly identifies a specific substance as harmful and releases antibodies against it. In this case, the culprit allergen is responsible for triggering asthma symptoms. Once IGE antibodies sense that allergen in the body, they cause an immune system response that releases a chemical called histamine which triggers inflammation and further exacerbates asthma symptoms. The medication Omalizumab (Xolair) interferes with this process and helps prevent these severe allergic reactions from occurring. Treating allergies is an important step in managing allergic asthma symptoms effectively.

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma triggered by an allergic reaction to certain allergens such as pollen, dust mites or pet dander. Having a family history of allergies and asthma is a major risk factor for developing allergic asthma. Additionally, having hay fever or other allergic conditions can increase the likelihood of developing allergic asthma.

People with allergic asthma may experience symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath when exposed to allergens. If you suspect that you may have allergic asthma, it's important to speak with your healthcare provider who can diagnose and create a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs.

No, not all asthma is caused by allergies. While allergic asthma is a common type of asthma, there are other types as well. People with asthma may experience symptoms triggered by exercise, infections, cold air, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and other factors. Identifying your specific asthma triggers can be important in managing your symptoms and avoiding flare-ups.

Living with allergic asthma can be a challenge, but it doesn't have to take over your life. The first step is to recognize the signs and symptoms of asthma and understand what triggers them. By monitoring your condition on a regular basis, you can stay ahead of any potential flare-ups and keep your asthma symptoms under control.

There are many resources available to help you manage your allergies and asthma symptoms. From online support groups to in-person meetings, there are many ways to connect with others who share your experiences. It's important to stay informed about the latest treatments and therapies for asthma so that you can make the best decisions for yourself. With the information submitted by medical professionals and highlighted by various sources, you can educate yourself and take charge of your health.

Living with allergic asthma can be a challenge, but staying on top of the latest health updates and insights can help. It's important to keep up with appointments and seek out information from reputable sources. If you have questions or concerns about your condition, don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

At 2164446503, we offer appointments at various locations to make it easy for you to access the care you need. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping patients manage their allergic asthma and improve their quality of life. We stay up-to-date on the latest research and treatment options so that we can provide the best possible care.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with allergic asthma for years, there's always something new to learn. By staying informed and seeking out expert guidance, you can take control of your condition and enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get started on the path to better health!