How To Help Allergy Induced Asthma

How Asthma Is Treated

While there is no cure for asthma, it can be managed and kept under control so that you can live a normal life.

Asthma is treated by two different types of medications: quick-relief and long-term. Your healthcare provider may prescribe one or both of these types of medications to help control your asthma. Quick-relief medications such as albuterol should only be used as needed for emergencies. Those with frequent asthma symptoms are treated with long-term controller medications, which are taken on a daily basis to help with airway inflammation and other symptoms.

Note: It is important to use an inhaler properly for the medicine to reach your airways. Make sure your healthcare provider shows you exactly how to use your inhaler, and also watches you use it to make sure you are doing so correctly.

Allergy Induced Asthma And Slowing Inflammation

A recent study in the journal Immunity used mice examined the effect of a Ketogenic diet on inflammation of the respiratory tract, following exposure to an allergen.4

Because the innate lymphoid cells rapidly multiply, the researchers goal was to slow down their division, which should also slow the chronic inflammatory process. They found that fatty acids were required to help form the innate lymphoid cells, so fed mice bred to be asthmatic a keto diet and then exposed them to an allergen.

Because the mice were on this diet, fatty acids were diverted away from building innate lymphoid cells to instead be converted into ketones. With fewer innate lymphoid cells available, the inflammatory process in the lungs dramatically slowed down.4

Given concerns over COVID, it is only natural for your patients with chronic asthma to be concerned. They may find that a keto diet can not only help them lose weight, but might also reduce some of the respiratory symptoms associated with chronic asthma attacks.

References

Opt For Bedding That Keeps Dust Mites At Bay

Dust mites love to hang out in your bedding, where they feed on your dead skin cells. Luckily, you can create a barrier between you and the mites with hypoallergenic bedding, Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist with the nonprofit Allergy & Asthma Network, tells Allure. Look for hypoallergenic comforters, pillow covers, and a cover that zips around your mattress and box spring, like the Utopia Bedding hypoallergenic mattress cover.

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Can Asthma Be Cured What Are The Latest Treatments

Javeed Akhter, M.D., Section Head of Pediatric Pulmonology at Hope Childrens Hospital in Oak Lawn, Ill., offers the following answer:

Asthma is an eminently controllable illness. Indeed, for most sufferers, control is so effective that it amounts to a virtual cure. But asthma is not curable in the same way as, say, a bacterial pneumonia it never entirely goes away. Also, no one cure would ever suffice. It is becoming increasingly clear that there many types of asthmaand they differ greatly in their presentation and genesis. For example, asthma that presents as a chronic cough, the cough variant of asthma, appears to be very different from the life-threatening variety, which results in extreme respiratory failure and sometimes death.

Another effective strategy for preventing inflammation is the use of certain medications either daily during a season , during multiple seasons or year-round. One class of these medications stabilizes the mast cell, , which line the respiratory tract and play a central role in allergy-induced asthma. These mast cell-stabilizing inhalants include Cromolyn and Nedocromyl. Cromolyn is of particular interest as it is derived from the plant Ammi Visnaga, long used by American Indians as an herbal remedy for colic.

How Are Inhalers Used To Treat Asthma

Many asthma medicines are delivered using an inhaler or a nebulizer. Inhalers and nebulizers are devices that allow the asthma medications to be inhaled. This means you breathe them in, and they go straight to the airways. There are four types of delivery devices:

• metered-dose inhaler : a pressurized device that releases medication in a fine spray for you to inhale
• slow-moving mist inhaler: like an MDI, with a slower-moving mist
• dry powder inhaler : releases medication as a fine powder for inhaling

Visit our online store to download our free respiratory treatment poster or purchase print copies. The respiratory treatment poster is an asthma medication chart. It lists asthma inhalers by brand name as well as biologic medications used to treat asthma.

How to Use a Metered Dose Inhaler

How to Use a Slow-Moving Mist Inhaler

How to Use a Dry Powder Inhaler

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How Is Asthma Treated

Asthma medicines play a central role in the asthma management. Some medications prevent or reduce airway inflammation. Others interrupt the allergic reaction that triggers symptoms. Some relieve coughing and wheezing, making it easier to breathe.

Your doctor will work with you to find the right combination of medicines for optimal asthma control. They will adjust the type and amount based on your symptoms and the type of asthma that you have. The goal of asthma treatment is to have you feel your best with the least amount of medicine needed to control asthma.

Get to know your medications.

Understand how and why they treat and soothe your lungs and airways. If youre prescribed an inhaler, ask for one with a dose counter. Learn when and how youre supposed to use your inhaler and follow your plan to better breathing.

Are Allergies And Asthma Related

Allergies and asthma are related conditions linked by a common airway. They both affect our breathing by blocking the free passage of air between the nose and the lungs.

With allergies, the obstruction occurs in the upper area of the airway when the layers of the nose become inflamed. Sneezing helps to clear the mucus from the upper part of the airway. With asthma, the breathlessness and wheezing are caused by a narrowing of the bronchioles. Inflammation of the small airways layers may cause mucus to increase, making the obstruction worse. The dry cough that develops in the airways helps to clear out the mucus. An allergic reaction in the lungs can develop into asthma, so its important to immediately address the symptoms to control both conditions.

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How Can I Help My Child With Allergies

Children with allergies have the same treatment options as adults. For starters, over-the-counter childrens alleergy medicines like antihistamines, decongestants and nasal steroid sprays can be extremely helpful. Just make sure you talk with your childs doctor first.

With consistent use, these medications can help relieve symptoms and keep them under control. You can also use natural remedies such as sinus rinses as alternatives or in combination with medications.

Depending on how serious your childs allergies are and whether they also have asthma your doctor may recommend prescription medications or allergy shots.

What Is Bronchial Thermoplasty

Bronchial thermoplasty is an outpatient surgical procedure. It is for adults ages 18 and older with poor asthma control. These people have severe persistent asthma symptoms despite using standard therapy. This includes a combination of inhaled corticosteroids and a long-acting bronchodilator.

The procedure is performed in three outpatient visits under moderate or general anesthesia. A pulmonologist or other qualified physician inserts a long, slender tube called a bronchoscope into the lungs and surrounding airways. They then heat and shrink the size of muscle tissue. This allows more air to pass through and make breathing easier.

Side effects may include a short-term worsening of asthma symptoms. These side effects usually resolve within a week.

If you have severe and difficult-to-control asthma, talk with your doctor to determine if the procedure is right for you. Be sure to check your health insurance to confirm if the procedure is covered.

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Treatments To Help Allergies And Asthma

Most treatments target either asthma or allergies. Some methods specifically treat symptoms related to allergic asthma.

• Montelukast is a medication primarily prescribed for asthma that can help with both allergy and asthma symptoms. Its taken as a daily pill and helps to control your bodys immune reaction.
• Allergy shots work by introducing small amounts of the allergen into your body. This allows your immune system to build up tolerance. This approach is also called immunotherapy. It usually requires a series of regular injections over several years. The optimal number of years has not been determined, but most people receive injections for at least three years.
• Anti-immunoglobulin E immunotherapy targets the chemical signals that cause the allergic reaction in the first place. Its usually only recommended for people with moderate to severe persistent asthma, for whom standard therapy has not worked. An example of anti-IgE therapy is omalizumab .

What Causes Allergic Asthma

The cause of asthma isnt known. However, for those with allergic asthma, the reason symptoms start is related to allergens. This is the main difference between allergic asthma and other types of asthma allergens are inhaled and trigger asthma symptoms. When you experience severe asthma symptoms, its called an asthma attack.

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Visit A Complete Care Er Immediately If You Are Experiencing A Severe Asthma Attack

Despite having a better understanding of how to prevent an asthma attack, its not always possible to avoid triggers. If youre experiencing a severe asthma attack dont wait to seek medical attention. Visit one of our 24 hr emergency walk-in clinics equipped with hospital-grade technology and friendly medical staff.

We have convenient ER locations in both Texas and Colorado. Head into one of our facilities or give us a call today!

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What Exactly Causes A Reaction

An assortment of everyday substances can cause our immune system to go haywire. If youre exposed to pollen, dust, mold spores, animal fur or saliva, or dust mites or cockroach feces, you may find yourself experiencing an allergic reaction. Candle and tobacco smoke, heavily-scented products, and very cold air, while not technically allergens, can also trigger a reaction.

While some of the reasons behind allergy-induced asthma stem from external stimuli like those mentioned above, genes play a part as well. People who inherit mutated genes are more predisposed to developing allergic asthma than those without the genes. However, as this is a complex condition influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, there is no guarantee the condition will develop fully.

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What Sports Commonly Cause Asthma Symptoms

If you have sports-induced asthma, you may want to choose certain activities over others. Endurance sports and activities that take place in colder temperatures are more likely to trigger symptoms. Thats because cold, dry air can constrict the airways and trigger symptoms of asthma.

Sports that are most likely to trigger symptoms of asthma:

• Require constant physical exertion: Long-distance running, soccer, basketball and other endurance sports require you to breathe heavily and constantly with little rest.
• Take place in colder weather: Skiing, ice hockey, ice skating and snowboarding commonly cause symptoms due to colder air temperatures.

Allergies Include The Following Common Symptoms:

• Itchy or watery eyes

This is also a troubling time for asthma. You may wonder what allergies and asthma have in common. It turns out allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger allergy symptoms may also cause asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. This is called allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.

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Steer Clear Of Body Lotion With Synthetic Fragrance

Again, if you suffer from allergies and asthma, fragrances can do more harm than good, especially when they’re synthetic, Ogden says. And placing them directly on your skin isn’t great. “Synthetic fragrances are a complication of chemicals that can affect you,” Ogden explains. “We don’t even necessarily know how they’re made.” She adds that in addition to irritating your skin, synthetic fragrance can even cause respiratory trouble. Shop for fragrance-free lotion to avoid issues.

Effective Treatment Of Your Allergies

Corticosteroid nasal sprays are the first line of treatment to relieve allergy symptoms in asthma sufferers who are allergic to pollen. As with the treatment of asthma, corticosteroid nasal sprays are most effective when used every day, for the whole duration of the pollen season.

Your doctor may prescribe a nasal corticosteroid for your allergies. If your prescription has expired, your pharmacist can renew it if you meet certain criteria. Dont hesitate to enquire about this service. Many products are also sold without a prescription but are kept behind the counter, so ask your pharmacist if you are looking for advice or a specific product.

Antihistamines are effective, but are more indicated for mild or occasional symptoms .

As mentioned before, its crucial to continue your regular asthma treatment throughout the allergy season. You can take a nasal corticosteroid even if you already take corticosteroids for your asthma, since each product is only deposited where it is intended to take effect.

If you have any questions on the treatment of your asthma or allergies, dont hesitate to speak to your pharmacist.

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Tips To Reduce Exposure To Outdoor Pollution And Weather

Avoiding outdoor pollution or weather conditions can be difficult, but tips for reducing your exposure include:

• Check media for daily outdoor air quality reports.
• Stay indoors with windows closed on high-pollution days use an air conditioner on recirculate to filter the air.
• Stay indoors with windows closed and vents blocked if hazard-reduction burns or bushfire smoke is in your area.
• Avoid physical activity on high-pollution days or if smoke is in the air.
• Avoid cold air in winter wear a scarf over your nose and mouth, and exercise indoors.

Does An Asthma Attack Trigged By Allergies Feel Different Than A Typical Asthma Attack

When you have an asthma attack thats triggered by your allergies, it is a severe flair up of your asthma symptoms. During an asthma attack, your airways will tighten, making it difficult to breathe. You may also feel chest pressure, wheeze and cough. The symptoms of an allergic asthma attack are the same as an asthma attack caused by something else. The difference between the two is the cause of the asthma attack. When you experience severe asthma symptoms after breathing in an allergen, this is typically allergic asthma.

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Preventing Summer Allergy And Asthma Symptoms

Here are some ways to help prevent your allergy and asthma symptoms from flaring:

• Pay attention to pollen counts for your area. You can watch your local weather forecasts or check at Pollen.com or the National Allergy Bureau to get your daily pollen counts.
• When pollen counts are high, stay indoors as much as you can. Pollen counts tend to be highest on warm, windy days and lowest on rainy days. If you must go outdoors during times when pollen counts are high, try to do it later in the day, as counts are usually highest early morning to midday.
• When youre indoors or in the car, keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on. Even if its not hot out, turning on the A/C will keep pollen from blowing into your home or car through the window, especially if the air conditioning unit is equipped with a HEPA filter.
• Vacuum and dust your houses flat surfaces frequently. Dust collects on flat surfaces and pollen often collects in dust so cleaning will keep the levels down indoors too. It may help to wear a mask while you clean.
• Dont hang drying clothes outdoors. Clothes hanging outside to dry can collect pollen. Use a clothes dryer when pollen levels are high.
• If you must go outside during high pollen counts, wash the pollen off when you get back inside. Wash your hair to get rid of pollen and change your clothes. This might seem like overkill, but it can make a big difference in your symptoms.

What Is Allergic Asthma

If you have allergic asthma, your airways are extra sensitive to certain allergens. Once they get into your body, your immune system overreacts. The muscles around your airways tighten. The airways become inflamed and over time are flooded with thick mucus.

Whether you have allergic asthma or non-allergic asthma, the symptoms are generally the same. Youâre likely to:

• Strong chemical odors or fumes
• Perfumes, air fresheners, or other scented products

Your doctor can test you to see what causes your allergic asthma. The two most common methods are:

• Pricking your skin with a tiny amount of the allergen and measuring the size of the red bumps 20 minutes later
• A blood test known as a specific IgE or sIgE test

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Deterrence And Patient Education

Patients should be educated about asthma concerning the use of medications. They should understand how to take medications and also the differences between quick-acting medications and maintenance medications such as inhaled corticosteroids.

Patients should also be encouraged to use an asthma action plan, so they understand when their symptoms are severe, and they need to contact a physician or go to the emergency room.

The asthma APGAR tools in primary care practices have been shown to improve rates of asthma control and reduce emergency room and urgent care visits.

Common Triggers Of Allergy

Asthma is often triggered by environmental allergens. If you are allergic to a substance, or allergen, exposure to it triggers a response starting in the immune system. Through a complex reaction, these allergens then cause the passages in the airways of the lungs to become swollen and inflamed, which results in wheezing, coughing, and other asthma symptoms. Identifying, controlling, and avoiding your triggers is crucial for managing your allergic asthma.

Some of the most common triggers include:

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