Asthma is a chronic lung condition resulting in inflamed airways that are sensitive to triggers that don’t typically bother other people. These triggers can include exercise, airborne irritants, weather, some medicines and allergies. When experiencing allergic asthma, it’s great to understand what causes it so you can take steps to avoid your triggers and manage your symptoms.
Allergic reactions occur when the body’s antibodies mistakenly recognize a normal stimulus as something harmful. This triggers an immune response resulting in allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes, runny nose and inflammation. In some cases, like after a walk through Palmetto Islands County Park, the response also triggers asthma symptoms, resulting in allergic asthma.
Triggers for Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is just one form of asthma. Common allergens that can cause asthma attacks can include:
- Cockroaches
- Dust
- Pollen
- Mold
- Pet or animal dander
Many treatment plans are designed for treating either asthma or allergy symptoms, but there are some treatment options for allergic asthma. Recognizing your triggers and avoiding them is also a logical first step in symptom management. Examples of treatments that manage symptoms of both conditions include:
- Allergy shots: Allergy shots assist with managing allergic asthma by reducing your immune system’s response to its allergic triggers. This treatment typically involves regular immunizations over time and works by exposing your body to tiny amounts of allergens to build up your body’s immune response.
- Anti-immunoglobulin (IgE) therapy: This treatment works to with IgE’s in the body after an allergic response and is typically used for severe allergic asthma.
- Leukotriene modifier: Usually in pill form, this treatment option works to control chemicals released during an allergic reaction. It can be used for both allergic rhinitis and asthma symptoms.
You may also need different treatments to treat either your asthma or allergy symptoms. Your doctor will guide you through symptom management options.
To learn more about allergic asthma, schedule an appointment with Charleston ENT & Allergy today.