Research shows that allergies and asthma often occur together. In honor of May being National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, let’s explore why these two conditions are connected and what you can do to control your symptoms.
Allergies and Asthma Have the Same Triggers
Allergies and asthma share many of the same triggers. Common substances such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander can induce classic allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, watery eyes and a runny nose, in addition to constricting your airways and worsening asthma symptoms.
Why This Happens
When you have an allergic reaction, your body identifies a normally harmless substance (like pollen) as harmful and mounts an immune response toward it. It does this by having antibodies bond to the allergen, which releases chemicals like histamine. These chemicals cause your allergy symptoms and, for certain people, can affect the lungs and airways, leading to asthma.
Who is at Risk for Allergic Asthma?
Though anyone can develop allergies, asthma or both, certain risk factors may make it more likely that you develop allergic asthma. This includes having a family history of allergies and already having allergies yourself, including seasonal allergies (also known as hay fever).
Are Allergies the Only Asthma Trigger?
While allergies are one asthma trigger, many people can have their asthma triggered by other factors. These include:
- Exercise
- Infection
- Cold air exposure
- Acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
- Stress
Treatment Options
In most cases, your asthma and allergies will be treated separately with different medications. For example, a doctor may prescribe an emergency inhaler and long-term asthma control medication to help control your airway problems. For your allergies, you may take antihistamines or other prescription or over-the-counter medications.
For each condition, avoiding your triggers can be helpful. Additionally, immunotherapy may also help with both conditions. Immunotherapy is a form of treatment that involves building tolerance to an allergen by introducing it to the body in small doses over time. It’s typically done via allergy shots but can sometimes be administered sublingually through drops or tablets.
The goal of any treatment option is to reduce the impact your allergies and asthma have on your day-to-day life, whether that’s at work, home or while spending time in the great outdoors.
If you need help managing your symptoms, call Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment today.
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