The Link Between Allergies and Asthma
Allergies and asthma frequently occur in tandem. Allergic asthma is actually very common in the US. Your body’s reaction to an allergen can often lead to an asthma attack, or it might cause an existing condition to become worse. This is a serious issue for those who suffer from both allergies and asthma, because it involves twice the discomfort and a greater risk of health problems.
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.
Does treatment of allergies result in prevention of 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.
If you have asthma, it’s recommended that you avoid the things that trigger inflammation of the 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.
Medication isn’t necessarily required if you are able to simply avoid the allergen and other triggering factors. But if you use medication, make sure you are treating both the allergy and the asthma. Using a nasal spray can calm the inflammation that allergies create. Inhalers can reduce inflammation caused by asthma. Be aware, though, that self-medication can have serious consequences. It is recommended that you get checked by a medical professional first to identify the most suitable medication for 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.
People are advised to take control of their problem by making sure they know which factors trigger their attacks. Make sure your doctor knows all of these details as well, as it will help him or her recommend the most appropriate asthma treatments for you and your specific circumstances. Your physician will assess your history and your body’s previous response to treatments that have been prescribed.
