Allergic asthma: causes, symptoms, treatment

Symptoms of allergic asthma

How does allergic asthma manifest itself? Symptoms of allergic bronchial asthma may include:

• difficulty breathing;
• coughing;
• wheezing;
• stuffy nose;
• itching of the eyes, nose and mouth;
• red and watery eyes.

Symptoms of allergic asthma can range from mild respiratory symptoms to severe episodes of asthma - a bronchial asthma attack.

What is a bronchial asthma attack?

An asthma attack is a sudden worsening of asthma symptoms. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, tightness or pressure in the chest and difficulty breathing. These symptoms occur because the muscles around the airways tighten, the airways become irritated and swollen, and the lining of the airways produces more mucus. All these factors make breathing difficult.

Frequent asthma attacks show that a person's asthma is not well controlled. An asthma attack is also called a bronchial asthma exacerbation.

Allergic asthma causes

What allergens trigger allergic asthma? Allergens can be all around us - in indoor and outdoor environments. In allergic asthma, inhaling these allergens can trigger symptoms. Possible allergens that can trigger allergic asthma include pet dander, pollen, mold, dust mites, etc.

People with asthma have swollen, inflamed and sensitive airways, which become narrow and clogged with sticky mucus in response to certain triggers. Genetics, pollution and other environmental factors may be on the list of causes, but there is currently not enough evidence to know if any of these directly cause asthma. Risk factors for allergic asthma include a family history of allergic asthma or allergies, personal history of allergies such as eczema, food allergies, allergic rhinitis, etc., history of bronchiolitis, exposure to cigarette smoke in childhood. Asthma symptoms often occur in response to a trigger.

Triggers for allergic asthma

Asthma is often initially recognized by people when symptoms worsen in response to certain allergens or other triggers. Remember that everyone's asthma is different and each person may have different triggers. Triggers are generally only a problem when asthma is not well managed.

It is important to identify triggers and reduce your exposure to these triggers to make it easier to manage asthma symptoms. If you suspect that you may have an allergy, it is a good idea to keep a symptom diary to identify triggers. Note the times and situations when asthma gets worse.

There are two types of factors that can trigger a person's asthma. Some triggers can be avoided - including cigarette smoke, some chemicals or perfumes, cold or dry air, paint, some medicines or foods. Triggers that cannot (or not always) be avoided include polluted air, exercise, respiratory tract infections, certain medications and medical conditions, extreme emotions, hormonal changes, pregnancy and sexual activity.

How is allergic asthma diagnosed?

The first step is usually a set of blood tests. Allergy tests will also be done. Additional lung function tests will then be performed to determine whether allergic bronchial asthma is present. Pulmonary function tests show whether breathing improves after using a bronchodilator called a bronchodilator. Specific types of lung function tests include spirometry (which measures the amount of air you breathe in and out) and other investigations.

What is the treatment for allergic asthma?

Can allergic asthma be cured? No, but there are methods that keep the disease under control and help manage and prevent symptoms. Treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms, general health and age - a children's allergic asthma treatment will be different from a treatment for adults.

Treatment for allergic bronchial asthma may include both avoidance of triggers and some respiratory medications, allergic bronchial asthma medicines or allergy medicines. Some medicines prevent or reduce airway inflammation, others interrupt the allergic reaction that triggers symptoms, while others relieve coughing and wheezing, making breathing easier. Treatment will depend on the symptoms and severity of asthma. But the first step should be to avoid exposure to allergens.

Types of allergic asthma medication

Treatment of allergic asthma usually requires a two-pronged approach. Both allergies and asthma need to be treated. Sometimes a long-term herbal allergy treatment may also be indicated to reduce the severity and frequency of episodes.

Sometimes your doctor may prescribe different asthma medicines - both allergic bronchial asthma medicines for long-term control of the disease, and medicines that work in the event of an asthma attack. They can act in different ways. For example, Astmostop has anti-inflammatory, expectorant effects and reduces bronchial edema and constriction. Another example is Septilin, which has a long-term antiallergic effect, being an adjuvant in allergic problems such as allergic bronchial asthma.

Leukotriene modifiers, drugs that treat both allergies and asthma, may also be indicated and prescribed. Montelukast (Singulair) is one of the best-known drugs of its kind. For rapid relief of asthma symptoms by opening the airways, an inhaler may be recommended to make breathing easier. Allergy medicines - antihistamines, which block the histamine released during allergic reactions - may also be indicated. These can be used when needed, but often work better if taken daily during allergy season (depending on the allergen).

Septilin, 100 tablet, Himalaya

44

£10.50

Buy

How can we reduce allergic asthma symptoms?

Here are some recommendations to avoid triggers and manage asthma symptoms. Everyone has their own triggers, so it is important to identify them so that you can avoid them in the future. Here are some recommendations:

• Dust your home frequently, change bed linens and wash them in hot water weekly.
• Use dust- and allergen-resistant sheets and pillows.
• When pollen levels are high, keep windows and doors closed. Also, avoid going out during the hours of higher pollen levels.
• Use an air conditioning system with special filters or an indoor air purifier.
• Avoid exposure to mold.

A number of allergy asthma teas may also be recommended to support other treatment measures. These may include ginger tea, green tea or other teas that help to reduce inflammation in the lungs - a feature of asthma.

What are the potential complications of allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma can sometimes have a number of serious complications. One complication is anaphylaxis. This type of severe allergic reaction can have symptoms such as hives, swelling of the mouth or face, difficulty swallowing. Untreated anaphylaxis can be life-threatening. If you are at risk of a severe allergic reaction, your doctor may prescribe an epinephrine auto-injector which should be used within the first few minutes of the onset of allergic symptoms.