Allergy-induced asthma

When we are allergic to something, we may get a runny or stuffed nose, itchy eyes, or sneezing attack. But many people don’t realize that the things we are allergic to also can cause us to experience symptoms of asthma, such as wheezing, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing. Because asthma often is related to allergies, people with asthma may experience more symptoms in the Spring and Fall, when the pollen count is high, or when weather conditions cause an accumulation of air pollutants. Symptoms also can appear after exposure to pets, damp places where molds tend to grow, or mowing the lawn. Not all asthma is due to allergies, but if you suffer from asthma, you should explore the possibility of a connection between your symptoms and exposure to allergens. Your doctor or an allergist can help you to determine whether or not you have Allergies, and can help you to manage them.

Your doctor or an allergist will evaluate you for possible allergies in two ways:

• He or she will ask you detailed questions about your symptoms, lifestyle, and your home and work environment. This may provide insight into possible allergy-related causes of your asthma symptoms.
• If your doctor believes from your answers to questions that allergies are likely, he/she may recommend skin testing. Skin testing involves the introduction of different possible allergens under the skin. If you are allergic to the substance, your skin will react to the skin test. Allergy testing is not generally effective in evaluating food chemical intolerance or many types of Occupational Asthma.

If your doctor determines that you do have allergies, the first method of treatment is simply to avoid the allergen. If you do avoid the allergen, it is likely that your symptoms will improve over time. Although it is often difficult to avoid many common allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and grasses, there are many ways of reducing your exposure that can be extremely helpful (see The Asthma-Friendly Home).

If you are unable to avoid the allergens, and your asthma is difficult to control as a result, your doctor may recommend allergy shots. When you get an allergy shot, a small amount of the substance that causes your allergies is injected into you. This process is repeated at regular intervals, in increased concentrations. By doing this, your body will become desensitized to the allergen, and your symptoms should decrease in severity, or disappear altogether.

You may need to receive the shots for six months to one year before you experience relief from your symptoms. If the treatment is effective after one year, the shots should be continued for three to five years until you have no more symptoms, or until your symptoms can be controlled with minimal medications for one year. If the shots are not effective within two to three years, they should be stopped, and your treatment plan should be re-evaluated.

ASTHMA MEDICATION

MEDICATIONS FOR ALLERGIES

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