Allergies and Asthma: What’s the Connection?
Posted by admin - 07/06/09 at 03:06 amAsthma and allergies often go hand in hand. Allergic asthma is quite widespread across North America. Your body’s reaction to an allergen can often lead to an asthma attack, or it might cause an existing condition to become worse. This is a serious issue for those who suffer from both allergies and asthma, because it involves twice the discomfort and a greater risk of health problems.
When allergens enter your system, your body fights back by producing antibodies, which typically leads to an allergic reaction that features itchy, watery eyes and excessive sneezing. The airways and nasal linings become inflamed as a result of your body’s response, which frequently leads to an asthma attack in those who suffer from the condition. People who have breathing-related allergies and asthma usually suffer greatly during an attack.
Does treatment of allergies result in prevention of asthma? It can certainly lower your chances of experiencing an asthma attack. Receiving injections to treat your allergies is beneficial because it restricts your antibodies from reacting to the allergens. This in turns lessens the chances of experiencing an asthma attack.
If you have asthma, it’s recommended that you avoid the things that trigger inflammation of the airways. Pollen, pet dander, dust mites, and certain kinds of food are the most common irritants. Those who have family members with allergic asthma are more likely to acquire the disease. These individuals should be highly cautious around potential allergens. Typically, there’s more than one factor involved when it comes to allergic asthma.
You don’t always have to use medication if you are successful at avoiding the situations that lead to an attack. However, if you do use medication, it’s important that you treat the symptoms of both conditions. Using a nasal spray can calm the inflammation that allergies create. Inhalers can reduce inflammation caused by asthma. Keep in mind, however, that it can be harmful to self-medicate. First of all, you should visit your doctor to discuss the most appropriate course of treatment. There are medications available that can be taken to cure both conditions; however these can be dangerous if the person has certain health conditions that may be worsened by the treatment.
It’s recommended that people manage their condition more effectively by learning to identify the factors that lead to an attack. Discuss all this information with your physician so he or she can formulate the best possible asthma treatment for your situation. Your physician will assess your history and your body’s previous response to treatments that have been prescribed.
