What is Allergic Asthma?
There is often a link between asthma and allergies. Allergy-induced or allergic asthma is a condition where breathing in an allergen congests or tightens the airways. Most often, these allergens are present in the air such as dust mites, animal dander, pollen or mould spores. Allergens are the most common asthma trigger and allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma.
An allergen is a substance that is responsible for causing an allergic reaction. Allergens can enter the body by being touched, breathed in, swallowed or injected.
Allergic Asthma Symptoms
An individual with allergic asthma experiences the same signs and symptoms as people with other types of asthma. These symptoms may include:
Exposure to an allergen can also trigger other symptoms, including:
A stuffy nose
Itchy or watery eyes
Nasal drainage
A rash or hives
Some allergens may cause eye symptoms or rash while others may cause asthma symptoms. Therefore, it is important to identify the triggers and understand how the body responds to an allergen.
Common Allergic Asthma Causes
Allergic asthma triggers vary from person to person. Some of the most common allergens that can trigger allergic asthma include:
Note: Food allergies may also trigger allergic asthma in some individuals. However, food allergies are rarely the cause of allergic asthma alone.
How is Allergic Asthma Diagnosed?
Allergic asthma diagnosis typically starts by asking an individual about the signs and symptoms they are experiencing. A doctor may also perform respiratory function tests to determine the impact on the airways and skin tests to detect whether or not a person has a reaction to specific allergens.
Two of the most common tests for diagnosing allergic asthma include:
Spirometry: This type of breathing test involves taking a deep breath in and exhaling into a tube. The tube connects to a computer that collects the information about how well the air moves when an individual breathes in and out.
Broncho provocation testing (methacholine): Methacholine testing is similar to spirometry and uses a medication called methacholine to check if the airways tighten or constrict after taking it.
If a doctor diagnoses asthma, a blood test may also be recommended to know if certain environmental allergens are potential triggers of asthma.
Allergic Asthma Treatment
Allergic asthma treatment options may include:
1. Avoiding the allergen
Depending on the triggers of allergic asthma, other steps that can be taken to manage it are as follows:
2. Rescue inhalers
These offer fast relief from asthma symptoms by decongesting the airways to help improve breathing.
3. Antihistamines
This type of medication helps reduce mild to moderate allergy symptoms like watery or itchy eyes.
4. Leukotriene modifiers
This is a group of medications that treat allergies and asthma. One of the most common leukotriene modifiers is Montelukast.
5. Corticosteroids
Both inhaled and oral corticosteroids help prevent allergy-induced asthma symptoms by reducing inflammation in the airways.
6. Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy can reduce the immune system’s reaction to an allergen. It involves getting regular injections of the allergen to build tolerance over time.
7. Follow-up
Follow up with a doctor to discuss the frequency and severity of the symptoms. This is important as it helps the doctor determine the best treatment plan for uncontrolled allergic asthma.
How to Prevent Allergic Asthma?
Though allergic asthma is very common, a family history of allergies is a major risk factor for allergic asthma. Having hay fever and other allergies may also increase the risk of allergic asthma. It is important to identify the factors that trigger allergic asthma symptoms to limit exposure and ensure the best treatment and effective management.
Note: All people of the age six months and older must get vaccinated every flu season. Children of the age six months through eight years may require two doses in a single flu season. Also, it takes approximately two weeks for protection to develop post vaccination.
FAQs
1. Is allergic asthma curable?
Allergic asthma is a fairly common condition that people experience throughout their lives. However, there is no cure for this type of asthma. It’s important to identify the triggers (allergens) and consult a doctor to take steps to manage it.
2. Is allergic asthma dangerous?
Allergic asthma, if left untreated or not treated on time can potentially lead to an asthma attack. An asthma attack occurs when a specific trigger causes the lungs to become swollen or inflamed.
3. What does allergy-induced asthma feel like?
Allergy-induced asthma manifests in the form of symptoms ranging from mild respiratory symptoms to severe asthma attacks. Some of the most common allergic asthma symptoms include; shortness of breath, wheezing, cough and chest pain or tightness.
4. Who is at risk for allergic asthma?
The most common factors contributing to allergic asthma include having a parent with asthma, having a severe respiratory infection in childhood, having an allergic condition or exposure to chemical irritants and industrial dust in a workplace.
Article By Dr. Shweta Bansal
Senior Consultant And Unit Head - Respiratory/ Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine
Artemis Hospitals
