Allergic asthma

Allergies and asthma − the link

Allergic asthma, as the name implies, is a form of asthma triggered by an overreaction (allergic reaction) of your immune system to one specific or a group of substances from your environment called allergens. Allergens are usually small enough to be inhaled and are vigorously attacked by the immune system that produces antibodies that in turn cause the release of chemicals such as histamine to try and kill off the “invaders”. This reaction causes the familiar allergy symptoms such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes, skin reactions, etc. and in some people the familiar asthma symptoms of restricted and inflamed airways and difficulty breathing.

Although not all forms of asthma are triggered by allergies (non-allergic asthma) between 80 to 90% of children and 50% of adults with asthma also have allergies. Heredity is a main risk factory when it comes to allergies; 87% of those with a family history of allergies have allergies too. Fortunately, some children “grow” out of their allergic asthma during puberty, but adults rarely go into remission.

Common allergens

Common allergens that trigger allergic asthma include the following:

• • Pollen from trees, grasses and weeds that are carried on the wind and are small enough to be inhaled

• • Microscopic small, dust mites

• • Mold/fungus spores and fragments

• • Animal dander (shed upper layer of skin), saliva and urine. Interestingly enough, cats seem to be the big culprits in one out of three allergic asthma cases

• • Cockroach particles and specifically a protein in their droppings.

Avoiding allergens

Your first line of defence is to try and avoid the specific allergens that trigger your allergies and asthma.

Start by…
1. Making your house as allergen free as possible:

• • Keep pets out of doors or confined to one room (not the bedroom). Pet allergens, especially cat allergens, have been found in rooms and homes where pets lived; even months after they have left (see the article on pet-induced asthma)

• • Re-decorate and replace carpeted areas with hard-surfaced flooring where possible. Also, replace curtains (cosy allergen habitats) with blinds. Wipe all other areas (leather, plastic, vinyl and wood) with a damp cloth

• • Keep your home scrupulously clean to keep dust mites at bay and prevent cockroaches arriving uninvited. Cover pillows and mattresses with mite-proof covers and regularly wash all bedding in very hot water, the hotter the better. Remove stuffed toys or wash regularly

• • Install air filters such as the HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter to air ducts and ventilation grids but avoid electronic air purifiers as they create ozone that may trigger airway inflammation. Where possible keep windows closed

• • Monitor the indoor humidity in your home. Use a dehumidifier or air conditioner to reduce humidity and prevent the growth of fungus or mold. Add fungus and mold inhibitor to paint used on bathroom walls. Clean visible fungus or mold with a solution containing 5% bleach and a small amount of detergent. Incidentally, cockroaches love humidity.

2. Taking precautions to avoid environmental, outdoor allergens:

• • Regularly check the pollen count in your area and stay indoors to avoid an overdose. Hot, dry and windy weather means more pollen in the air and early mornings are worse than evenings. Keep windows closed during pollen season. If you have to go outside take a shower and wash both your hair and your clothes (to remove pollen) when you come back inside. Dry washing indoors during the pollen season for the same reason.

• • Early evenings are the best time to exercise out of doors but rather exercise indoors during pollen season. However, don’t stop exercising; it is good for your lungs and heart (see the article on exercised-induced asthma)

Two-pronged medical treatment strategy

• • Standard asthma treatment. Standard asthma treatment involves the use of both long-term control medications such as inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists, combinations of the two and other oral medications and quick relief (rescue) medications such as short-acting beta agonists and oral and intravenous corticosteroids.

• • Allergy treatment. Allergens can be identified through skin tests and their symptoms treated with medication, oral and nasal sprays, antihistamines, decongestants and immunotherapy. Immunotherapy consists of allergy injections or drops placed under the tongue to reduce the immune system’s reaction to a specific allergen and “trick” it into building up a tolerance to the allergen. This is a long-term treatment option that works very well.Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy makes use of medication that interferes with the ability of the IgE antibodies to trigger the immune system into kick-starting an allergic reaction that causes asthma.

You can take charge of your allergies and asthma by working with your doctor or allergist in finding the best medical treatment options as well as identifying your allergy and asthma allergens and limiting your exposure to them wherever and however possible.

 

Sources
Alergies and asthma. 2012. Retrieved from: http://www.webmed.com/asthma/guide/allergies-asthma.
Allergies and asthma: they often occur together. Retrieved from: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/allergies-and-asthma/AA00045.
Gardner, A. 2013. Your asthma survival guide for allergy season. Retrieved from: http://www.webmd.com/asthma/survive-alergy-season-13/survive-allergy-season-guide.
Vann, M. 2013. Understanding allergic asthma. Retrieved from: http://www.everydayhealth.com/asthma/allergic asthma.aspx.