What Should I Do If I Think I Have Asthma
If you suspect you might have asthma, you should see your doctor for a professional diagnosis. Dont ignore it if you do have asthma, the sooner you get it under control, the faster you can get back to living a full and active life. For more information on how Asthma Australia is helping people with asthma to breathe so they can live freely, visit About Us.
What Causes Food Allergy
Before having a food allergy reaction, a sensitive child must have beenexposed to the food at least once before, or could also be sensitizedthrough breast milk. It is the second time your child eats the food thatthe allergic symptoms happen. At that time, when IgE antibodies react withthe food, histamines are released, which can cause your child to experiencehives, asthma, itching in the mouth, trouble breathing, stomach pains,vomiting, and/or diarrhea.
Watch For Signs Of Infection
Singulair can increase the chance of developing an upper respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, sinus infection, or ear infection. Be aware of the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection such as a sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, painful swallowing, and sneezing. And watch for symptoms of ear infection such as ear pain, fever, hearing difficulties, and fluid drainage from the ears. If an infection is suspected, its best to contact a doctor for treatment.
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How Is Allergic Asthma Diagnosed
A skin prick test is the common way to check for allergies. Your doctor will poke your skin with a needle containing a small amount of an allergen. After 20 minutes, your doctor will check your skin for red bumps. These bumps are a sign of an allergic reaction.
Additional tests that can check whether you have asthma along with your allergies include:
- spirometry: measures the amount of air you inhale and exhale, and looks for narrowing in the bronchial tubes of your lungs
- peak flow:a simple test of lung function, this measures air pressure as you breathe out
- lung function: checks whether your breathing improves after you use an asthma medication called a bronchodilator
Treating allergic asthma can involve treating the allergy, the asthma, or both.
Symptoms Of Food Allergies And Asthma
For most people, the usual symptoms of food allergies are hives, rash, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you have food allergies that trigger symptoms of an asthma attack, you will likely have these allergy symptoms, followed by coughing and wheezing. And if not caught quickly, anaphylaxis — swelling of the throat, cutting off your airway — may result.
If you suspect certain foods are asthma triggers for you, talk to your doctor. They can give you allergy skin tests to find out if youâre allergic to these foods.
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Common Asthma Attack Symptoms
During an asthma attack, it becomes very hard to breathe and your chest feels tight.
- Wheezing. High-pitched whistling sounds when you breathe out
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath. Difficulty catching your breath or getting enough air into your lungs
- Chest tightness and/or pain. May feel like being hugged tightly. Or a band is wrapped around your chest.
What Are The Symptoms Of Asthma
While symptoms vary from person to person, the most common signs of mild asthma include:
- difficulty breathing feeling breathless, even while resting, or being unable to finish full sentences before needing to take another breath
- wheezing making a whistling sound while breathing
- coughing either at specific times or after certain activities
During a severe asthma attack, you may notice more serious symptoms, such as:
- feeling very distressed, exhausted or even limp from trying to breathe
- deep sucking motions at the throat or chest while trying to breathe
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Look Beyond The Obvious
There are some well-known and obvious triggers you should avoid when you have asthma cold air, dust mites, pollen, tobacco smoke, mold, and pet dander among them. But what about your favorite candle, thunderstorms, aspirin, or even traffic? Several odd or unusual things can trigger an asthma attack. If you have asthma, its important to identify your own particular triggers so you can try to avoid or at least be better prepared for a potential attack.
What Are The Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis
Symptoms usually involve more than one organ system , such as the skin or mouth, the lungs, the heart;and the gut. Some symptoms include:
- Skin rashes, itching or hives
- Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat
- Shortness of breath, trouble breathing or wheezing
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Stomach pain, bloating, vomiting or diarrhea
- Uterine cramps
- Feeling like something awful is about to happen
Ask your doctor for a complete list of symptoms and an anaphylaxis action plan. Anaphylaxis must be treated right away to provide the best chance for improvement and prevent serious, potentially life-threatening complications.
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Can Yeasts Cause Allergies And Asthma
Systemicyeast infections can cause chronic yeast allergies and asthma,creatingrespiratory distress,which affectsover 50 million Americans yearly.
- In the American Journal of Respiratory Critical Care Medicine 1995, Kaufman states that “fungus has the ability to colonize the lungs and induce an inflammatory reaction“. Resulting in asthmatic reactions calledfungal asthma.
- Dr. C. A. Kaufman states “each year in the US the fungi Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, and Coccidioides immitis cause more pulmonary infections than bacteria.”
- C.C. Kibbler says these fungi “routinely infect persons with apparently normal immunity.”
Dr. C. Orion Truss, a pioneer in the study of systemic yeast infections and their relation to diseases and symptoms, states in his book that “once the mucous membranes become inflamed by their allergic response to yeast products, infection begins to occur with great regularity at random sites from the nose to the lungs.”
Professor R.J. Hay states that “hay fever or asthma due to molds like Aspergillus, Alternaria, and Penicillium account for up to 15% of respiratory allergies.” That translates into one in six people’s allergies are beingcaused by fungi.
In a 2005 study that was published in Environmental Health Perspectives in October of 2005, it was found that exposure to environmental yeasts and molds within the home before the age of 3 months, resulted in an increased incidence of allergic rhinitis by 5years of age.
Dr. Atmika Paudel says…
Increased Risk Of Infection
Singulair could increase a persons chance of an upper respiratory infection, flu-like symptoms, sinus infection, or ear infection. This medication works to prevent the inflammatory process of leukotrienes which are inflammatory chemicals in the body that are often released when triggered by an allergen. Because Singulair works on this chemical involved in the bodys immune pathway, there is the possibility for interference in the bodys immune response.
Signs of an upper respiratory infection include a sore throat, stuffy nose, cough, painful swallowing, and sneezing. Signs of an ear infection include ear pain, fever, hearing difficulties, and fluid drainage from the ears. If an infection is suspected, its best for patients to contact their doctors for treatment. Its important for those taking Singulair to be aware of the signs of infection.
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Mystery Of How Eating Causes Asthma Attacks
Many people ask the question How can eating something cause me to have an asthma attack in my lungs.
The answer is simple, but to understand this question, you first must gain an understanding of what;asthma;is. It is also essential to understand how asthma is developed and the difference between normal respiratory defence mechanisms for fighting foreign particle attacks in the lungs in comparison to what happens in an asthma attack.
Unlike other respiratory conditions like cystic fibrosis, COPD and Bronchiectasis, asthma is actually a hypersensitivity condition. An asthma attack is actually an immune response to enzymes, proteins and anti-enzymes released by a parasite or an antigen.
As a part of the bodys immune response in an asthma attack, apart from the standard respiratory responses of inflammation and excess secretion of mucus, the body also releases a number of immune chemicals including immunoglobulin E or IgE .
The release of IgE induces constriction of the smooth muscles around the outside of the airways, also known as Bronchoconstriction. This constricts the airways more and works towards helping to amplify the cough mechanism and expel the parasite from the lungs.
We have similar defence systems in other parts of our bodies, including the large and small intestines of our digestive system. All of these systems are connected through our circulatory system where the immune system works its magic. Let me explain this further and how it all works.
Food Allergies And Sensitivities
Food allergies
Although a lot of food allergies start in childhood, you can develop them as an adult too.
Some of the most common food allergens are gluten , shellfish, eggs, milk, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, and soya.
Some food allergies, such as allergies to milk and eggs, are more common in children.
People with food allergies need to be strict about avoiding certain foods. Allergic reactions to food can happen very quickly. A severe allergic reaction can be life-threatening.
Reactions to food can quickly bring on asthma symptoms too, like wheezing, coughing and breathing difficulties.
An anaphylactic reaction and an asthma attack can look similar. If you have both a food allergy and asthma, and are in any doubt about your symptoms, use your auto-injector pen and get help straight away.
You can also find out more about particular food allergies on;the NHS website.
you’re having a severe allergic reaction or;
you’re having an asthma attack and your blue reliever isn’t helping or
you’re not sure if your symptoms are an allergic reaction, or an asthma attack.
Food sensitivities
Being sensitive to certain foods is not the same as a true allergy. Theres less clear-cut evidence to show a link to asthma symptoms. However, it could be that some of the chemicals and ingredients in food and drink products trigger asthma symptoms.
The most common food sensitivities that can trigger asthma symptoms are:;
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Allergies And Asthma Can Be Caused By Yeast Infections Or Fungal Infections
Medically reviewed by;Dr. Vibhuti Rana, PhD. – Written by Dan Jackowiak Nc, HHP and Dr. Atmika Paudel, PhD
Can allergies and asthma be caused by yeast and fungi? Keep reading, the answer may surprise you!
Asthma is a disease, for which the cause is mostly unknown.; Some causes can be traced to airborne substances like cement dust, or inhaled chemicals that damage the lungs. Interestingly, yeast and fungi can also cause allergies and asthma.
Typically when some one suffers an asthma attack the lungs and airways become inflamed, which results in:
- Shortness of breath
- A feeling of pressure in the chest
- Intolerance to dairy, especially milk
Another possible “cause” that worsens asthma is acid reflux, i.e., acid from the stomach going back up the esophagus and back down into the lungs, causing irritation and gastroesophageal reflux disease .
Allergic reactions to food products;are a definite reason of asthma in many people. Food allergies can cause numerous signs of respiratory discomfort including asthma, cough, nasal congestion, excess mucus production, hoarseness, postnasal drip, tonsillitis, sore throat, sneezing, and stuffy nose.
The only way to identify these food allergies is to test them;or see a doctor who specializes in Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques .
Airborne allergies usually cause:
- Sometimes watery eyes
- A feeling of pressure in the sinus
What Are The Types Of Allergies And How Are They Treated
You can be allergic to a wide variety of substances including pollen, animal dander, mold and dust mites.
Pollen
Seasonal allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, is an allergic response to pollen. It causes inflammation and swelling of the lining of your nose and of the protective tissue of your eyes .
Symptoms include sneezing, congestion , and itchy, watery eyes, nose and mouth. Treatment options include over-the-counter and prescription oral antihistamines, anti-leukotrienes, nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines, and nasal cromolyn. In some people, allergic asthma symptoms can be caused by exposure to pollen.
Your symptoms can be reduced by avoiding pollen. Stay indoors when pollen counts are high, close your windows, and use air conditioning. Ask your healthcare provider about immunotherapy to treat pollen allergy.
Dust mites
Dust mites are tiny organisms that live in dust and in the fibers of household objects, such as pillows, mattresses, carpet, and upholstery. Dust mites grow in warm, humid areas.
The symptoms of dust mite allergy are similar to those of pollen allergy. To help manage dust mite allergies, try using dust mite encasements over pillows, mattresses, and box springs. Also, remove carpet, or vacuum frequently with a high-efficiency filter vacuum cleaner. Treatment may include medications to control your nasal/eye and chest symptoms. Immunotherapy may be recommended if your symptoms are not adequately controlled with avoidance methods and medications.
Molds
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How To Prevent Feline Asthma Attacks
Once your cat is diagnosed with feline asthma, you have several options for lifestyle changes that can help reduce recurring asthma attacks, depending on the severity of the case. The first and most obvious thing you’ll need to do is to try to eliminate the environmental allergens that are causing respiratory distress in your cat. Some will be easy; others more complicated or expensive. Some of the most common triggers of feline asthma include:
What Is The Best Thing To Do When Having An Asthma Attack
You need to have an asthma action plan. An asthma action plan is a guide that you create with your doctor to treat your asthma, including what to do during an asthma attack. It should also address:
- Medications you should be taking on a daily basis to keep asthma under control, if recommended.
- Symptoms that may be a sign that your asthma is worsening and how to know that you might be having an asthma attack.
- If you think youre having an asthma attack, what medications you should use.
- Information to help you decide when to call your doctor who manages your asthma and when to go directly to the emergency room.
Instructions on using a peak flow meter at home . The device measures your breathing. During an asthma attack, your breathing measurements on the PEF meter will be lower than normal. It can help you determine if you are having an asthma attack.
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Allergies And Asthma Conclusion
If you have ever had any sort of water damage in your home you can call a water damage remediation specialist such as ServPro. They can test the air in your home for airborne fungal spores and if any are found, can clean up the sites in your home that had the water damage. After repairs are complete, they will retest the air to make sure the source of the spores are gone.
An ENT could determine if your allergies or asthma is being caused by molds or yeasts by running tests on the mucous found in your sinus. Or you could consult with your doctor.
Warning Signs Of An Asthma Emergency
Some warning signs of asthma are more serious. They include:
- Symptoms that keep getting worse, even with treatment
- Difficulty catching your breath or talking
- Sucking in your chest or stomach with each breath
- Trouble walking
- A bluish or grayish tinge to your lips or fingernails
- Flaring your nostrils as you breathe
If you have any of these asthma symptoms, call 911.
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Who Is At Risk For Anaphylaxis
- People who have experienced anaphylaxis before
- People with allergies to foods, insect stings, medicine and other triggers
If you are at-risk:
- Keep your epinephrine auto-injectors on-hand at all times and be ready to use them if an emergency occurs.;
- Talk with your doctor about your triggers and your symptoms. Your doctor may tell you to see an allergist. An allergist can help you identify your allergies and learn to manage your risk of severe reactions.
- Ask your doctor for an anaphylaxis action plan. This will help you know what to do if you experience anaphylaxis.
Medical Review;October 2015, updated February 2017.
Allergy Symptoms
What Causes Anaphylaxis
An allergy occurs when the bodys immune system sees something as harmful and reacts. Your immune system tries to remove or isolate the trigger. The result is symptoms such as vomiting or swelling. The most common triggers of anaphylaxis are;allergens. Medicines, foods, insect stings and bites, and latex most often cause severe allergic reactions.
With proper evaluation, allergists identify most causes of anaphylaxis. Some people have allergic reactions without any known exposure to common allergens. If an allergist cannot identify a trigger, the condition is;idiopathic anaphylaxis.
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When To See A Doctor
If a person has any symptoms of a food allergy and suspects that they have an oat allergy, they can see their doctor or an allergist.
A doctor or allergist will be able to carry out tests to determine whether or not oats are causing the allergic reaction.
If a person experiences any severe symptoms, anaphylactic shock, or the symptoms of FPIES, they need immediate medical attention.
A person with an oat allergy may need to avoid certain products. These include certain:
Asthma Compared To Anaphylaxis
Anaphylaxis and asthma;can look and feel very similar. Both cause difficulty breathing that can be both frightening and life-threatening. Anaphylaxis may be accompanied by some additional symptoms that are not often seen with asthma: hives and skin rashes, swelling in the face, stomach discomfort, bloating, diarrhea and vomiting.
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