Everything You Need To Know About Allergic Asthma

Introduction:

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by airway inflammation and tightening of airways in response to allergen exposure. Also known as allergy-induced asthma, it is caused by excessive production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) which triggers the airways to swell, resulting in symptoms like shortness of breath, coughing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, and wheezing. Desi Ghee in Pakistan

Allergic asthma is a common condition in both children and adults and is caused by allergens such as pollen, dander, and mold spores. It is important to be aware of potential triggers, knowing the similarities and how to differentiate between asthma and allergies can help you manage symptoms and potentially avoid them. To learn more about potential treatments for Asthma, there are clinical trials for Allergic Asthma near you. 

What is an Allergy?

Allergies are a multifactorial disease that involves both environmental and hereditary factors. When the immune system reacts to allergens (environmental substances), an allergic reaction occurs.

The immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE) in response to allergens, releasing chemicals such as histamine into the bloodstream. Histamine aids in the elimination of allergens in the body, resulting in symptoms such as sneezing, itching, hives, and watery eyes.

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is a group of symptoms caused by allergens such as dust, animal dander, and pollen. Allergic rhinitis, also known as “hay fever,” is one of the most common types of allergy, characterized by an inflammation of the tissues in the nose, which is frequently accompanied by conjunctivitis (red, itchy, and/or watery eyes). Body Mists Online In Pakistan

Allergies can disrupt your daily activities and leave you feeling frustrated and tired, but the majority of cases are minor.

What is Allergic Asthma?

Allergies can impact dietary preferences, products used, and even the way we breathe. Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by allergens such as pollen, dander, and mold spores. What may cause a reaction in one person, may not necessarily affect someone else in the same way.

When allergies are present, the body’s immune system identifies the allergen as a potential threat and releases immunoglobulin E (IgE). This reaction is intended to protect the body, yet high levels of IgE can trigger airway constriction, compromising one’s ability to breathe.

Asthma is a lung disease that causes your airways to:

• Become swollen or irritated due to inflammation in the airway linings.
• Produce a lot of mucus that is thicker than usual.
• Narrow because the muscles surrounding the airways contract.

How Common is Allergic Asthma?

Asthma is a common condition, with 25 million people living with the condition in the United States alone. Of those, 60% experience allergic asthma, the most common type.

Symptoms Associated with Allergic Asthma:

Many of the symptoms of allergic asthma are the same as those of other types of asthma. These include:

• Shortness of breath
• Coughing frequently, especially at night
• Wheezing 
• Chest tightness

Those with severe asthma may experience intense symptoms during an asthma attack, which can be managed with a treatment plan that includes an inhaler (commonly referred to as a ‘rescue inhaler’). Allergies can also trigger symptoms, though they are typically less intense, and can present when exposed to an allergen. Symptoms associated with allergies include:

• A congested nose
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Sneezing
• A rash with hives

How is Allergic Asthma Diagnosed?

A skin prick test is an effective method to check for allergies and involves a doctor pricking the skin with a needle containing a small amount of the allergen. After 15 minutes, they will assess the area for redness, swelling, itching, or the presence of a hive-like bump known as a wheal.

Lung function tests can also be used to determine whether you have asthma in addition to allergies, as they evaluate whether breathing improves after using a bronchodilator medication. The following are examples of lung function tests:

• Spirometry: This measures how much air you inhale and exhale, as well as how quickly you exhale. You will blow into a mouthpiece connected to a device or computer that will look for narrowing in your bronchial tubes.
• Maximum flow: In this simple lung function test, you will breathe into a small handheld device that measures air pressure as you exhale. The test cannot diagnose asthma, but it can be used to monitor your condition in the lab or at home.
• FeNO test: Exhaled nitric oxide testing may be performed which involves breathing into a device that measures the amount of nitric oxide in the airways. When your lungs become inflamed as a result of asthma, they produce this gas.
• Provocation (Trigger) Test: To help confirm an asthma diagnosis, a doctor may suggest a test to measure the sensitivity of your lungs to certain triggers. This test is typically administered to those with asthma symptoms that are not detected by other tests. It involves inhaling a potential asthma allergen and completing a breathing test to assess the response.

How can we Manage Allergic Asthma?

To effectively manage allergic asthma, it is important to treat both allergies and asthma. Antihistamines are often the first line of treatment and can be taken on an as-needed basis or daily during allergy season, depending on the allergen. Allergen immunotherapy is another option that can be used to build a tolerance to the allergen and reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Additionally, there are several medications available to treat asthma, depending on the symptoms and severity. Developing an Asthma Action Plan with your doctor is crucial to effectively managing your disease and having your quick-relief inhaler on hand is vital in the event of severe asthma flares.
A variety of medications may be prescribed by your doctor. These may include one or more of the following:

• A quick-acting medication (such as short-acting beta-agonists or anticholinergics) that treats asthma symptoms as they occur may be the only medication required if you have intermittent symptoms.
• A daily-use control inhaler or nebulizer (such as inhaled corticosteroids or long-acting beta-agonists) may be prescribed to prevent and manage mild but persistent asthma symptoms.
• Oral or injectable anti-inflammatory medications (such as oral corticosteroids, leukotriene modifiers, or biologics) are used to help prevent and manage more severe asthma symptoms, and they may also help manage allergy symptoms.

Takeaway:

Allergens can have varying effects on different individuals; for some, it can cause sneezing fits and watery eyes, while for others it can trigger an asthma attack. Allergic asthma is the most common type of condition. Allergic rhinitis and asthma can both cause difficulty breathing and other respiratory symptoms. In some cases, when these conditions occur together, it is referred to as allergic asthma. 
To understand the underlying cause of your symptoms, it is best to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional. Through tests, a physical exam, and a review of your history, they can diagnose the issue and, if needed, create a treatment plan.

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