Asthma and Allergies-Allergic Asthma

Asthma and Allergies-allergic asthma is much more common than realized. What is Asthma? Asthma is a disease that affects the bronchioles, the smallest airways of the lungs. Symptoms  of Asthma include cough, wheezing, tightness of the chest and shortness of breath. These symptoms are caused by contraction of the smooth muscle surrounding the bronchioles. This in turn causes narrowing or constriction of the bronchioles, known as bronchospasm. The most common cause of asthma is inflammation. However, asthma can also be triggered by Allergies. But there are different types of asthma medication that can be used.

Triggers for Asthma and Allergies

It is triggered by an allergic reaction or a reaction to an irritant. Nonetheless, an asthma attack can be triggered by other factors.  These include, exercise, some medications like aspirin, stress and other emotions.

Another Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a respiratory disorder where breathing is impaired, caused by chronic inflammation and damage to the bronchioles.

Combination of Asthma and Allergies-Allergic Asthma

Allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger your hay fever symptoms, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, may also cause asthma signs and symptoms. In some people, skin or food allergies can cause asthma symptoms. This is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.

What is an allergy?

An allergic reaction when the immune system reacts to a substance that is not normally harmful is an Allergy. The type of allergic reaction depends on the cause. The allergen, the substance that induces an allergic reaction, causes different reactions. For example, Asthma can be initiated by allergies, thus Asthma and Allergies-allergic asthma. Such as a reaction to inhaled animal fur, mold, house dust mites or the pollen. These allergens can also trigger allergic rhinitis. Urticaria or hives is an allergic reaction of the skin. It is often caused by allergy to a medicine, a food, an insect sting or latex gloves.

An allergy can also affect other parts of the body, such as the gastrointestinal system causing stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. A severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can cause swelling of the throat and tongue, difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure and can be life-threatening.

How does an allergic reaction cause asthma symptoms?

Asthma and Allergies-allergic asthma occurs when immune system proteins (antibodies) mistakenly identify a harmless substance, such as tree pollen, as an invader. In an attempt to protect your body from the substance, antibodies bind to the allergen.

The chemicals released by your immune system lead to allergy signs and symptoms, such as nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin reactions. For some people, this same reaction also affects the lungs and airways, leading to asthma symptoms.

Is all asthma caused by allergies?

Asthma and Allergies- allergic asthma, is very common.  There are also, other types of asthma with different kinds of triggers. For some people, asthma can be triggered by exercise, infections, cold air, gastroesophageal reflux disease or stress. Many people have more than one kind of asthma trigger.

Who’s at risk of allergic asthma?

A family history of allergies is a major risk factor for Asthma and Allergies-allergic asthma . Having hay fever or other allergies yourself also increases your risk of getting asthma.

Types of asthma medication

There are various types of medication available for the Asthma and other breathing ailments. There are three general categories:

  • Bronchodilators  treat and relieve symptoms of bronchospasm and include beta 2-agonists and anticholinergics
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs treat the underlying inflammation by inhibiting the production of inflammatory chemicals like prostaglandins and include corticosteroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
  • Leukotriene receptor antagonists treat both symptoms of bronchospasm and inflammation.

Inhaled asthma medication

Most asthma medications are taken using an inhaler so that the drug goes directly to its target, the airways of the lungs. Inhaled asthma medications may be delivered as an aerosol with a metered dose inhaler (puffer) using a propellant gas to create an aerosol, or by a nebulizer that creates a fine mist which can be inhaled using a mask or mouthpiece. The medication may also be inhaled as a dry powder using a special device for powder delivery.

Inhalers are used for bronchodilators, or reliever medications that are generally for symptom relief or asthma attack. Also, for anti-inflammatory drugs, which are preventer medications for chronic inflammation of the airways.
Combination inhalers are also available which contain two different drugs in the same inhalation device.

Types of inhaler

Inhaler devices used to deliver medication into the airways are:

  • Metered dose inhaler (MDI) that uses a propellant gas to create an aerosol. See: Asthma Inhaler (Generic Albuterol)
  • Dry powder inhaler, such as the accuhaler, turbuhaler or rotahaler that does not need a propellant.

Oral asthma/allergy medication

Some steroid medication for severe asthma or allergy can be taken orally as tablets to gain control of symptoms. Leukotriene receptor antagonists are also taken orally as tablets.

Types of allergy medication

Allergy medications are known as antihistamines because they block the action of histamine, a chemical released during an allergic reaction that is responsible for triggering symptoms of allergy. Most antihistamines are taken orally as tablets and are non-sedating. Some antihistamines are sedating. Due to the fact they also act on the central nervous system. Eye drops and using a nasal spray can also be used to take Antihistamines.

Nasal sprays for treating allergy

Nasal sprays can also deliver Allergy medications. The types of medication available as a nasal spray include antihistamines to treat symptoms of allergies. Also corticosteroids that treat symptoms of inflammation of the nasal passages due an allergic reaction.

Take charge: Get symptoms under control

Know the things that trigger your allergy and asthma symptoms and learn how to limit your exposure to them. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment to manage your symptoms, and check in with your doctor on a regular basis.

Because allergy and these symptoms can change over time, you may need to adjust your treatment accordingly. Learn the signs that your asthma may be flaring up — and know what to do when it does.

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