Allergic asthma is one of the prevalent forms of asthma that affects millions of individuals all over the globe. The presence of environmental triggers such as dust mites and pollen are known to cause the condition. The triggers are usually harmless but for those who are highly sensitive and have asthma, they can trigger the manifestation of undesirable symptoms. This is why it is important to fully understand what causes allergic asthma so that they can be avoided. By enrolling in a course on first aid, you can provide measures to help ease the symptoms.
What is allergic asthma?
Individuals who are diagnosed with asthma often have chronically swollen airways. There are medications to prevent the airways from closing. On the other hand, every now and them, certain triggers can worsen the airways and they start to swell, constrict and prevent air from moving in and out of the lungs.
These triggers or allergens include pet dander, pollen, mold spores and cigarette smoke. Once an individual inhales the allergen he/she is sensitive to, the body reacts by triggering inflammation and swelling in the lungs and bronchial tubes which results to breathing difficulty and wheezing.
What are the causes?
The allergens are responsible for triggering allergic asthma. The usual allergens do not cause harm among those who are not sensitive to the allergens. On the other hand, those who have allergic asthma might end up with asthma symptoms right after exposure.
Common allergens
- Pet dander
- Dust mites
- Pollen
- Cockroach droppings
- Gases
- Mold and mildew
- Fumes or odors
- Stress
- Smoke
- Changes in the weather
Symptoms of allergic asthma
Both non-allergic and allergic asthma have the same symptoms that you should be familiar with.
- Wheezing
- Coughing
- Chest tightness
- Difficulty breathing
- Chest pain
- Rapid breathing
- Shortness of breath
Management of allergic asthma
There are various medications that can be used in managing allergic asthma. These medications deal with the reaction of the body to the allergen or ease the symptoms during an asthma attack.
Allergy shots or immunotherapy will gradually reduce the immune response of the body. This involves the introduction of small amounts of the allergen over a period of time. After some time, the immune system no longer overly reacts to the presence of the allergen.
Antihistamines work by reducing the allergic response of the immune system once the individual is exposed to an allergen. Nasal sprays are used depending on the medications that they contain to help ease the allergy symptoms. As for eye drops, they work by washing out the allergens in the eye and can also help prevent the allergy symptoms such as itchy or watery eyes.
Emergency medications such as epinephrine are used in treating severe reactions such as anaphylaxis.
Commonly prescribed medications for asthma
- Short-acting beta-agonists provide immediate, momentary relief of the symptoms.
- Long-term asthma medications are taken on a daily basis to suppress the symptoms of asthma.
- Inhaled corticosteroids are used long-term in order to prevent and manage the symptoms. They are oftentimes used along with long-acting beta-agonists for improved effectiveness for a longer period of time.
- Quick-relief medications are usually taken to relieve the symptoms of asthma once they manifest.