November 25, 2010 in Asthma

When a person is exposed to an allergen, their body may produce ‘histamines’, which lead to irritation and inflammation. this happens because the histamines work to get rid of the allergen. Allergy induced asthma is one of the common forms of asthma and in this form, the histamines specifically work on the lungs and bronchial passages. this makes it really difficult for the person to breathe.

In the past few years, the number of people being affected by allergy induced asthma has rapidly increased. While some people may experience this form of asthma during a certain season, others may encounter problems all year round.

SymptomsCommon symptoms of allergy induced asthma include:

• Nasal stuffiness
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Watery, itchy and burning eyes
• Itchy throat or mouth
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tight feeling in chest
• Difficulty in breathing

Children with asthma triggered by allergy can exhibit certain symptoms like allergic salute (tendency to rub their noses upwards due to itching) and allergic shiners (under eye dark circles due to nasal congestion).

DiagnosisAllergy induced asthma is diagnosed by doctors by carrying out certain tests. Breathing capacity tests are generally used by doctors to determine if the patient is suffering from asthma caused by exposure to allergens.

Young children (usually under the age of 5) often have trouble taking the breathing capacity tests as following the instructions may be a little too complex for them. Doctors may then evaluate the complete medical history of the child and his/her family to determine any possibility of asthma. The doctor will prescribe a bronchodilator if asthma is suspected. If it helps in providing relief to the patient, then asthma is confirmed.

Older children and adults generally have to undergo a series of breathing capacity tests which also involve the use of a spirometer and a peak flow meter. they help to determine the extent of asthma.

The use of allergy tests to diagnose asthma by doctors is uncommon. However, if the doctor suspects allergens or a particular allergen to be responsible for causing asthma, then allergic dermatitis tests may be used. Knowing about the possible allergens or foods that cause asthma will help you to avoid them. it will also considerably reduce the risk of complications.

TreatmentIf the thought of you or your child using medications to control asthma seems frightful, there is some good news for you. Avoiding exposure to allergens and taking the necessary precautions has proven to be as helpful as taking medications to treat allergy induced asthma.

Nebulizers and inhalers are generally prescribed by your doctor. Apart from using them, you can take certain precautions like:

• Keep your home allergen free
• Change the air filters regularly
• Increase the intake of vitamin rich foods
• Take adequate pest control measures
• Change the mattress and pillow covers every week and wash them in hot water
• If you are allergic to pet dander, have a separate area for your pet. Have someone else clean & bathe them for you

Follow the above mentioned precautions and stay safe from allergy induced asthma.