Asthma is a chronic condition affecting the lungs. It causes the airways to narrow and swell, and it may produce extra mucus. This can lead to breathing difficulties, triggering coughing, wheezing upon exhaling, and shortness of breath. For many people, asthma symptoms are connected to another common health issue: allergies. Here is more information about this connection:
Allergens Trigger Asthma
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, known as an allergen. Typical allergens include pollen, dust mites, mold spores, pet dander, and certain foods. When a person with allergies is exposed to an allergen, their immune system releases chemicals, such as histamines, to combat the perceived threat.
For individuals who have both allergies and asthma, this immune response does more than cause sneezing or itchy eyes. The same chemicals that cause allergy symptoms may also affect the lungs and airways. It may lead to the inflammation and tightening characteristic of an asthma attack.
This type of asthma is known as allergic asthma. Exposure to allergens becomes a direct trigger for symptoms. Managing this condition may involve a combination of avoiding known triggers, taking prescribed medications, and maintaining an action plan.
Both Tighten Airways
Both allergic reactions and non-allergic asthma involve a tightening of the airways, which is what makes breathing difficult. In an allergic reaction, this process starts with the immune system’s response to an allergen. The body releases substances that cause inflammation and swelling in the nasal passages and airways.
Asthma attacks involve a similar mechanism. The muscles around the airways constrict, a condition known as bronchospasm. The lining of the airways also becomes inflamed and swollen, and the body produces thick mucus as a result. When allergies trigger a reaction, these two processes are directly linked.
Symptoms Can Overlap
The symptoms of allergies and asthma frequently overlap, which can sometimes make it hard to tell one from the other. A persistent cough, for instance, is a common symptom of both conditions. Shortness of breath and chest tightness are also shared symptoms. You may experience these allergy symptoms:
- Runny nose and nasal congestion
- Sneezing
- Watery, itchy eyes
- Itchy throat
Asthma symptoms may be similar. Here are some typical symptoms:
- Wheezing
- Coughing, especially at night or in the morning
- Shortness of breath
- Chest tightness or pain
Because these symptoms can appear together, recognizing your personal triggers is useful. Paying attention to when and where your symptoms occur helps you and your healthcare provider determine whether allergens are contributing to your asthma.
Get Treated for Asthma and Allergies
Managing conditions that are so closely linked often involves a combined approach. Treating your allergies can have a positive impact on your asthma control by reducing your exposure to known triggers. This might include avoiding specific allergens or using medications designed to control allergic reactions. Similarly, managing your symptoms with appropriate medications helps keep your airways open and less reactive. If you are experiencing symptoms of asthma or allergies, schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional to discuss your concerns and develop a personalized management plan.
