Allergies and asthma frequently occur in tandem. Allergic asthma is actually very common in the US. The response of your body to an allergen frequently results in an asthma attack, or worsens an existing episode. This is a real problem for people who are suffering from both allergies and asthma, as it means double the irritation and much higher potential for serious health issues.
Allergens cause your body to produce antibodies to get rid of the irritant, causing you to experience a reaction that usually involves sneezing and watering of the eyes. Your body’s response to the allergens also causes inflammation of the airway and nasal linings, so if have an asthma condition you will often suffer an attack at this time. Those who have respiratory allergies along with asthma typically experience more severe attacks.
Can treating your allergies prevent asthma? It can definitely reduce the chances of having an asthma attack. Allergy shots are very useful because they reduce the ability of your antibodies to react to allergens. And so the chances of an asthma attack are reduced.
For those who suffer from asthma attacks, it’s essential that they do their best to avoid the irritants that lead to inflamed airways. The most typical culprits are dust mites, pet dander, pollen and certain foods. Those who have family members with allergic asthma are more likely to acquire the disease. These individuals should be highly cautious around potential allergens. Most allergy induced asthma is triggered by more than one factor.
You don’t always have to use medication if you are successful at avoiding the situations that lead to an attack. However, if you do use medication, it’s important that you treat the symptoms of both conditions. Using a nasal spray can calm the inflammation that allergies create. Inhalers can reduce inflammation caused by asthma. Keep in mind, however, that it can be harmful to self-medicate. First of all, you should visit your doctor to discuss the most appropriate course of treatment. There are medications available that can be taken to cure both conditions; however these can be dangerous if the person has certain health conditions that may be worsened by the treatment.
It’s recommended that people manage their condition more effectively by learning to identify the factors that lead to an attack. Discuss all this information with your physician so he or she can formulate the best possible asthma treatment for your situation. The doctor will try to gauge the factors that you have encountered before and the reactions of your body towards past treatments.
Tags: allergic asthma, allergies, asthma, asthma treatment