Understanding the Connection Between Allergies and Asthma: Key Insights

Allergies and asthma are closely linked. An allergic reaction to a substance can often turn into an asthma attack, dramatically affecting your ability to breathe. The first step in asthma management is to test for allergies. Your allergist can tell you more.

What You Need To Know About Allergies and Asthma

When you are exposed to a substance you are allergic to, known as an allergen, your airways can narrow, which can result in an asthma attack. In addition to breathing difficulties, an allergic reaction can also cause:

• Itchy, watery eyes
• Itchy, runny nose
• Sneezing, coughing, or wheezing
• Rashes that can itch or burn
• Sore throat or nausea

There are many common allergens, including:

• Grasses and trees
• Plant and flower pollens
• Pet hair and dander
• Dust and dust mites
• Mildew and mold
• Peanuts, shellfish, and dairy

If you have breathing difficulties, especially during the spring and summer, you may have allergies and asthma. Your allergist can perform allergy testing with a simple skin test. A small amount of allergen is injected under the skin during allergy skin testing. If the area becomes red or swollen, you probably have an allergy to the substance. Your allergist can also test for asthma using spirometry and other methods to assess lung function.

Allergies are treated using several methods. Your allergist may recommend:

• Prescription-strength antihistamine medications
• Prescription-strength decongestant medications
• Nasal sprays containing steroids
• Sublingual immunotherapy
• Rescue inhalers and epi-pens
• Allergy shots

Your allergist may also recommend treating your asthma. Effective asthma treatment methods include:

• Short-term rescue inhalers
• Long-term asthma management medications

Want To Know More About Allergies and Asthma?

Allergies and asthma don’t have to control your life, keeping you from enjoying the activities you love. Your allergist can help you manage allergies and asthma. Talk with your allergist today to discover more about the connection between allergies and asthma and how your allergist can help.