Allergies
and Asthma and Their Link
Some may not know this
but there is a strong link between allergies and asthma. There are
about 22 million people in the United States that suffer from asthma,
and the most common type they suffer from is allergic asthma. If
you have allergies and asthma, it is likely that the same things
that trigger an allergic reaction can also trigger an asthma attack
since allergic reactions inflame your airways and restrict the flow
of air into your lungs, just like an asthma attack. When you have
allergic reactions or asthma attacks you may experience symptoms
like wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath, plus those
who have allergies and asthma also share triggers such as pollen
and pet dander.
An allergic reaction affects the lining of the nose and the lining
of the airways in a similar fashion. Allergic reactions occur when
the antibodies in your blood are exposed to allergens such as dust
mites and tobacco smoke. When the antibodies are affected, allergy
symptoms like nasal congestion and airway inflammation can occur.
Those who want to treat their allergies and asthma many not have
to buy different medications to do so. There are some medications
that work for both allergies and asthma, but they must be taken
differently in order for them to be effective. For example, corticosteroids
can be taken via spray through the nose to reduce inflammation caused
by hay fever, while it can also be distributed via inhaler to reduce
inflammation of the airway passages due to asthma.
Although allergies and asthma are related, allergic asthma isn’t
the only type of asthma. There is also exercise-induced asthma,
nonallergic asthma and asthma triggered by acid reflux. Consult
your physician if you feel you may have allergies and asthma.
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