When you have asthma (allergic or nonallergic), it usually gets worse after you exercise in cold air or breathe smoke, dust, or fumes. Sometimes even a strong smell can set it off. Allergens are everywhere. If you have allergic asthma, know what triggers your body to react and learn how to prevent an attack.
Your immune system’s job is to protect you from external invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. If you have allergies, part of your immune system works too hard. It may attack harmless substances such as cat dander or pollen in your nose, lungs, eyes, and under your skin. When your body is exposed to an allergen, it makes chemicals called immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. They cause the release of chemicals like histamine, which cause swelling and inflammation as your body tries to remove the allergen.
This creates an allergic reaction with familiar allergy symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. If you have allergic asthma, your airways are extra sensitive to certain allergens. Once they get into your body, your immune system overreacts. The muscles around your airways tighten. The airways become inflamed and flooded with thick mucus.
Whether you have allergic asthma or nonallergic asthma, the symptoms are generally the same. You’re likely to: With allergic asthma, in addition to the asthma symptoms, you’ll also have allergy symptoms. Those include:
Allergens
Foods that may cause an allergic reaction in people with allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, milk, eggs, wheat, and soy. Some foods may be more likely to trigger an allergic reaction than others.
Some people with allergies may find that their symptoms are triggered by the smell of certain foods. For example, some people with a food allergy to nuts may react when they smell peanut butter or other nut-based products.
Symptoms
The symptoms of allergic asthma can vary depending on the specific allergen that triggers the reaction. Common symptoms include:
– Wheezing or difficulty breathing
– Coughing or chest tightness
– Runny nose, red eyes, and congestion
– Itchy skin, hives, or eczema
It’s essential to identify the specific allergen that triggers your allergic asthma symptoms and take steps to avoid it.
Treatment Options
The good news is that there are many effective treatment options available for people with allergic asthma. These may include:
– Medications such as inhalers, oral steroids, and antihistamines
– Immunotherapy or allergy shots
– Lifestyle changes such as avoiding triggers, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight
By working with your healthcare provider and making some simple lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage your allergic asthma symptoms and improve your quality of life.