Allergic Asthma Treatment Specialist Q&A

Allergic asthma and asthma have the same symptoms, like severe flare-ups of your asthma symptoms, including tightening of the airways, which will make breathing difficult, wheezing, coughing, and chest pressure difficult. Although the symptoms are similar, the cause distinguishes allergic asthma from other types of asthma. Severe symptoms in allergic asthma occur due to inhaling an allergen, which sets it apart from non-allergic asthma.

Allergies are quite common to be diagnosed with. They can affect everything from the way you breathe, to what you eat, and even the products you use. When diagnosed with both allergies and asthma, it is referred to as “allergic asthma.” In this condition, the airways constrict whenever an allergen is inhaled. This is often due to airborne substances such as mold spores, pollen, and pet dander. These allergens, also known as triggers, frequently provoke asthma symptoms. The many things that can cause someone with allergic asthma to react may not affect others in the same way.

Your body will create a response to whatever it deems as a threat, which is the allergen. It will fire up all of its defenses to help fight off the danger. This is completed by the immune system. The immune system works to protect you from any disease. When the immune system deems it’s in danger, it will release a chemical known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). This substance is what is supposed to fight back and help protect the body. However, a high amount of immunoglobulin can make the airways begin to tighten and make it harder to breathe.

Common allergens that trigger allergic asthma are everywhere. They can be outdoors or indoors. When you are diagnosed with allergic asthma, even inhaling the allergens can set off your immune system into defense mode and trigger symptoms. A few of these common allergens that are important to know to help you control your condition include:

• Dander: Skin flakes from animals and hair are often grouped into one category known as “dander,” which is a pretty common allergen.

• Pollen: Pollen is known as a powdery substance that comes from plants. The most common types of pollen that will trigger allergic asthmatic individuals include weeds and grass.

• Mold: Mold is often found in areas that hold a lot of moisture, like basements. Mold produces spores that get into the air and will trigger your allergic asthma.

• Dust mites: Dust mites are quite small, often shaped like spiders. Dust mites will live on the soft surfaces of your home, including clothes, soft furniture coverings, and carpets. They will eat skin flakes that your body naturally sheds off. Both dust mites and their feces are considered allergens.

• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are pests that can be found in many different buildings and homes. Allergic asthma can be triggered by the saliva, feces, and other body parts of cockroaches.

If you are diagnosed with allergic asthma, you may experience many of the same symptoms as you would with other types of asthma. These symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Experiencing chest tightness

All of these symptoms can be quite intense during an asthma attack. Ensure you have a treatment plan in place for yourself if you have severe asthma symptoms. Often, you will be prescribed an inhaler, in case it is needed. You may experience symptoms in close relation to allergies. These are often less intense than asthma symptoms, which can happen if you are exposed to any allergens. These types of symptoms include:

• Stuffy nose
• Itchy eyes
• Watery eyes
• Sneezing
• Rash
• Hives

There is no cure for allergic asthma. You can control your symptoms and control the environment you are in to avoid asthma attacks. Allergic asthma can be worse at certain times of the year. Speak with your healthcare professional about medications and treatment options that can assist.

Nova Patient Care offers allergic asthma treatment. For more information contact us or to book an appointment online. We serve patients from Woodbridge VA, Bethel VA, Dale City VA, Old Town Alexandria VA, Huntington VA, Fort Hunt VA, Arlington VA, Mclean VA, Idylwood VA, Kingstowne Center Alexandria VA, Franconia VA, Newington VA, Falls Church VA, Annandale VA, Tysons VA, Richmond Hwy Alexandria VA, Pentagon City Arlington VA, Seven Corners VA, Lake Barcroft, VA and surrounding areas.