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Allergies are manifested in different ways: rashes, swelling and itching, anaphylaxis, when the body is completely closed.
An allergy occurs when the body's immune system reacts to a specific allergen such as food, pollen or dust. Where some people can simply react by sneezing and coughing, other allergies manifest themselves in the form of asthma.
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. It is at this time that your airways are particularly sensitive to allergens such as dust mites, pollen, molds and pet dander. According to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology, a complex reaction causes inflammation and swelling of the airways of the lungs in contact with these allergens.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms of asthma include:
- Wheezing
- A hissing sound when you inhale
- Cough
- breathlessness
In the case of allergic asthma, these symptoms usually occur after the person has been exposed to allergens such as dust mites, pollen or mold. Some people may also suffer from asthma symptoms in response to certain foods.
When is your asthma not an allergic reaction?
Although asthma is common, it is not always caused by an allergen. Other causes of asthma include:
- Exercise – when your airways respond to intense training
- Profession – when you are exposed to strong fumes in your work
- Weather-induced asthma – when your airways react to cold, dry weather
- Stress induced asthma
How is allergy-asthma treated?
There are different treatments for allergies and asthma, but there are also effective treatments for both:
- Immunotherapy injections can treat asthma by causing your body to react differently to allergens.
- Leukotriene modifiers are medications that can treat both allergy and asthma symptoms. Leukotrienes are the chemicals responsible for the tightening of the respiratory muscles and the excessive production of mucus.
Other treatments, such as inhalers, oral corticosteroids and antihistamines can also help control allergies and subsequent asthma. It is important to discuss an appropriate treatment plan with your doctor.
Other tips for managing allergic asthma:
Here are other practical ways to manage allergic asthma:
- Know the triggers and try to avoid them as much as possible.
- Stay indoors when the pollen count is abnormally high.
- Remove dust in your home and car as often as possible.
- Control pet dander by keeping pets out of your bedding and vacuuming regularly.
- Choose a vacuum cleaner with a special High Efficiency Air Cleaner (HEPA), which is more effective at trapping allergens and fine dust particles.
- Adjust the level of humidity in your home with a humidifier or dehumidifier, according to your needs.
- If you use an inhaler, keep this option with you, especially when you are exercising outdoors, because you never know when it may run out of steam.
- Take asthma seriously and control the symptoms as best you can.
Image credit: iStock
Marelize Wilke
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