Allergy and asthma are two different health conditions that many people suffer from. However, many people are not aware of the link between the two conditions, which frequently coexist. Allergic asthma is prevalent in both children and adults. Asthma affects about 25 million people in the United States. From that group, 60 percent suffer from asthma that is allergic in nature. 



It is beneficial for those who suffer from either condition to learn how they are related. By doing so, you can better manage your symptoms. Continue reading this article to learn more.

Allergies &Asthma 101: Understanding the Connection

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition that involves inflammation of the lungs, mucus production, and obstruction of the airways. All of these make it hard to breathe. A person with this condition has very sensitive airways that react to a wide range of triggers. Asthma triggers come in many forms. In some cases, asthma may occur due to exercise, infections, cold weather, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) , or stress. Some individuals have even more than one type of asthma trigger.

For some people, allergies can trigger symptoms of asthma. As a result of the asthma and allergy association, it's called allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. In allergic asthma, the airways become constrictive when you have exposure to allergens. People with allergic asthma tend to be more sensitive to inhaled allergens - often pollen or mold spores. 

A person who has an allergy to a particular substance will produce immunoglobulin E (IgE) and histamines after exposure to it. The release of excess IgE in the body may lead to the release of substances that cause inflammation of the airways. The inflammation in the airways can make them smaller. The smaller the airways, the more difficult it is to breathe. This can result in an asthma attack.

Symptoms of Allergic Asthma

Asthma symptoms are not the same for everyone. Occasionally, you may not experience all of these symptoms, or you may experience them at different intervals. Asthma symptoms can also vary between asthma attacks. It may be mild one day and severe the next.

Allergic asthma symptoms are essentially the same as nonallergic asthma. It can also include symptoms common to an allergy attack. Symptoms include:

• tightness in the chest
• coughing especially at night or early morning
• rapid breathing
• feeling short of breath
• wheezing
• sneezing
• itchy rash/hives
• stuffy nose
• itchy/ reddish eyes

Risk Factors: Reasons Why You Might Have It

Several factors have been linked to allergic asthma development. However, the presence of risk factors does not necessarily mean that an individual will have allergic asthma. It means that there is a higher likelihood that you will. Some of the risk factors include:

• Obesity
• Viral respiratory infections
• Dust mite exposure during infancy
• Smoking or secondhand smoke exposure
• Allergy-related illnesses that run-in families like hay fever, rhinitis
• Exposure to chemical fumes or dust in the workplace
• Urban dwellers, mainly due to air pollution, are reported to be at higher risk for asthma

Here's What Triggers Your Allergic-Induced Asthma

The management of allergy-induced asthma revolves around identifying allergy triggers. The triggers for allergic asthma vary from one individual to another. 

• Tree, grass, and weed pollen
• Molds
• Pet dander, saliva, and urine
• Dust mites (plus their feces)
• Cockroaches (feces, saliva, and body parts)
• Air pollution, dust
• Tobacco smoke
• Chemical fumes
• Strong odors such as perfumes

Different Ways to Treat and Manage Allergic Asthma

With asthma and allergies connected, avoiding allergy triggers is an important way to reduce asthma symptoms. It can be challenging to avoid our triggers entirely, which is why patients can choose from various allergy asthma treatments and management options. 

There is no permanent cure for asthma, but in most cases, asthmatics can live a mostly symptom-free life if they stick to their treatment plan. 

Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots)

Allergen shots may help reduce asthma symptoms by decreasing the immune system's response to certain allergies. In immunotherapy, you receive injections of small amounts of the allergens that cause your symptoms. Treatment usually involves regular injections over time. Eventually, your immune system becomes tolerant to the allergens, thus reducing your allergy symptoms.

Leukotriene Modifier

This medication eases the symptoms of allergic rhinitis and asthma. By reducing swelling inside the airways and relaxing the muscles around them, it reduces asthma symptoms. Leukotriene modifiers are available in liquid and pill form.

Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy

Anti-IgE medication helps to treat symptoms of chronic idiopathic urticaria and persistent asthma. Anti-IgE inhibits the function of IgE, which is an antibody in the immune system. Omalizumab (Xolair®) is one anti-IgE medicine available.

Inhaled Steroids

Corticosteroids, also known as inhaled steroids, reduce inflammation in the lungs. In addition to treating asthma, they can also treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Oral Corticosteroids 

Oral corticosteroids are usually reserved for severe cases. Their function is to reduce lung inflammation. It is advisable to use oral corticosteroids as a short-term treatment because long-term use can cause serious side effects.

Long-acting Bronchodilators

Asthma patients regularly use these medications to control the severity and frequency of their asthma symptoms. Most people take them twice a day, with the effect lasting for 12 hours.

Short-acting bronchodilators

These rescue inhalers work fast to open up the lungs' airways. The effects last anywhere from 4 to 6 hours.

If asthma and allergies are severe, other medications may be necessary. The symptoms can also vary over time, so it may be necessary to adjust your treatment. It is best to seek the expertise of an allergy specialist for the best intervention.

Get in Control and Find Relief!

Our allergy specialists can run tests to determine whether allergies cause your asthma and if they are seasonal or all year long. We will identify allergy triggers and develop a treatment plan to reduce allergic asthma attacks. Ready to get the relief you need? Call or schedule an appointment online with Allergy Associates of the Palm Beaches to get in control of your allergy-induced asthma.