Medications For Allergy Induced Asthma

Can Allergic Rhinitis Make Asthma Worse

Hay fever can make asthma harder to control. People with asthma who also have allergic rhinitis have more visits to hospital or emergency departments and more time off work or school than other people with asthma.

Some people find that the things that trigger their asthma will also make their allergic rhinitis worse. These could include things they are allergic to or cold air, cigarette smoke or other irritating fumes.

Effective treatment for allergic rhinitis may reduce the chance of severe asthma attacks, and make the lungs work better.

People with allergic rhinitis who are allergic to grass pollens can have asthma attacks caused by springtime thunderstorms. These mainly occur in October-November, in places where there is a lot of grass pollen . Very severe asthma attacks triggered by thunderstorms are more likely in people who have asthma as well as allergic rhinitis – especially if their asthma is not well controlled, or they are not taking regular preventer medication for their asthma.

What Are The Symptoms Of Allergic Rhinitis

Most people with allergic rhinitis have a blocked or runny nose. Some also have sneezing and itching in the nose and back of throat. Allergic rhinitis can also make the eyes itchy, red and teary. Not everyone with allergic rhinitis has all these symptoms.

People with asthma may not recognise that they also have allergic rhinitis, because the symptoms can be mistaken for asthma. For this reason, Australian and international guidelines for doctors recommend that people with asthma should be checked for allergic rhinitis.

Allergic rhinitis can occur all year round, or just at certain times of year.

Does Allergic Asthma Go Away

Some people think you can outgrow asthma, but this isnt really true. Asthma can cause airway remodeling, so even if your symptoms subside over time, you dont really outgrow it.

However, some people do outgrow certain allergies or rather their body doesnt have as strong of an allergic response. You may believe that your allergic asthma is going away, but think of it more like being in remission. Even after years without symptoms, an allergen exposure can trigger an allergic asthma attack.

Conversely, there is also increasing awareness that allergies and allergic asthma can develop in adulthood.

• Asthma symptoms can be triggered by a range of things.
• Allergic triggers include dust mites, pollen, animal dander and mould.
• Non-allergy triggers include smoke, exercise, cold air and viruses.
• Reducing exposure to substances that trigger allergies and asthma symptoms can help you to control your asthma.
• Ask your doctor about how you can avoid or reduce exposure to triggers of your asthma symptoms.
• Aim for a smoke-free environment, both for yourself and your children.
• Ask your doctor to update your asthma action plan each year.

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Can Allergic Asthma Be Prevented

While asthma itself cant be prevented, you can reduce your risk of an allergic asthma attack by knowing your triggers and controlling your environment. This might mean not cutting the grass if you know that pollen is trigger for your asthma or avoiding places with a lot of animals if dander is a trigger for you.

Asthma And Pollen Allergies

The pollen from trees, grass or weeds can cause allergy symptoms, including asthma. If you are allergic to pollen, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take antihistamine tablets or a steroid nasal spray. It is helpful to start taking them before pollen season.

It also makes sense to avoid your exposure to pollen as far as is practical. You will find many useful tips plus additional treatments in our article on pollen allergies.

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What Should I Know About Storage And Disposal Of This Medication

Keep this medication in the package it came in, away from light, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store omalizumab injection in the refrigerator, but do not freeze it. Discard any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location â one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach.

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medicines website for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

There Are Many Different Types Of Asthma Brought On By Many Different Triggers

If youre struggling with asthma symptoms trouble breathing, a persistent cough or tightness in the chest an allergist can help you take control by providing a diagnosis and identifying the underlying causes.

Learn about the triggers and treatment for allergic asthma and how an allergist can help you manage allergy and asthma symptoms.

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Severe Asthma And Covid

In conclusion, it is now well-recognized that older age, obesity, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes are risk factors of poor COVID-19 outcome. What is not yet clear is whether chronic respiratory diseases like asthma are also to be included as risk factors. The many studies that have addressed this question show discrepant results and point towards numerous factors that may play a role in the susceptibility and severity of COVID 19 in asthma patients. These include the severity of asthma itself, the asthma phenotypes/endotypes, asthma medications and co-morbidities. The reported incidences of severe COVID-19 cases among asthma patients are not determined by patient-related factors alone. Moreover, local factors and the diagnostic methods to identify asthma and COVID-19 can play an important role .

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Should I Be Concerned About Air Pollution In My Home

Yes. Your home might even be a high priority public health risk. This is probably where you are exposed to most allergens and irritants.

Home is where you cook, eat, sleep, bathe, groom, relax and play with pets. Indoor air pollution can pose a health risk. Your home may have small particles in the air or damaging gases such as carbon monoxide.

• Household cleaners and air-freshening sprays or devices
• Fuel-burning heat sources
• Humidity that allows mold to grow
• Cosmetics, perfumes and hair sprays

To reduce your homes indoor air pollution:

• Remove or reduce allergens

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Symptoms Of A Life Threatening Attack

The following signs and symptoms may indicate a life threatening situation:

• Rapid pulse
• Anxiety or panic
• Grogginess, confusion, or difficulty talking

Asthma often progresses very slowly, but it may sometimes develop to a fatal or near-fatal attack within a few minutes. It is very difficult to predict when an attack will become very serious. Any symptoms that suggest a serious attack should be immediately treated with a rescue bronchodilator. If symptoms persist, call for emergency help.

How Do I Manage Allergic Asthma

The main goal of treating allergic asthma is to control the condition. Your healthcare provider will work with you to develop ways to manage allergic asthma. Some things your provider may work with you on include:

• Learning how to identify triggers. Your provider will help you figure out what is triggering your asthma and find ways to either avoid or manage these allergens. Often, these triggers are found in your environment. Once you know what they are, you can manage your interactions with them.
• Finding the best medication for you. Not every medication is a perfect fit. Your provider will work with you to find which medication will control your asthma symptoms without causing negative side effects. There are many types of medications for allergic asthma . Take the time to work with your provider to see what works best for you.
• Developing an action plan. Its important to have a plan in place that helps you know when to take certain medications, what to do if the medications arent working and who to call in those situations.

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What Other Information Should I Know

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to omalizumab injection.

Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving omalizumab injection or if you have received omalizumab injection within the past year.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Other Things You Can Do

Saline rinses: Your doctor may recommend that you use a salt water solution daily to help clear your nose and soothe the lining of the nose. Syringes and rinse bottles are available from pharmacies.

Avoid smoke: People with allergic rhinitis should not smoke and should avoid other peoples cigarette smoke. Smoking makes asthma and rhinitis worse, and can prevent medicines from working properly. Bushfires and wood smoke may also worsen allergic rhinitis and asthma.

Avoid allergens: Your doctor can help you work out which allergens trigger your allergic rhinitis and asthma. Try to avoid your allergy triggers if you can. See Avoiding allergens for tips.

If medication does not clear a badly blocked nose, doctors may occasionally recommend a surgical operation called turbinate reduction. Surgery is not a cure for rhinitis, but may help with symptoms in severe cases.

Before taking any medication for allergic rhinitis, you should tell your doctor or pharmacist if:

• you have any other medical conditions or are pregnant
• you are taking any other medicines
• you have been experiencing nose bleeds.

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Other Ways To Prevent Allergic Asthma

You can try a few other ways to prevent allergy and asthma symptoms in your child:

• Dust and vacuum your home often to get rid of dust, pollen, and pet dander.
• Wash your child’s sheets and blankets in hot water at least once a week.
• Clean up any mold that’s collected in damp areas of your home, like the bathroom.
• If your child is allergic to pollen, keep them indoors with the windows closed on days when the pollen count is high.
• Get them a flu shot at the start of each fall.

How Should I Treat A Sudden Allergic Asthma Attack

Its important to come up with an asthma action plan with your allergist, Dr. Monteleone says. That can look different for everyone, but it generally includes advice on how to react when youre in the so-called yellow zone, which is when your asthma isnt great but youre not in a crisis situation, and what to do when youre in the red zone, which is when youre having trouble breathing and need immediate help.

For many people, this plan includes reaching for an inhaler during an allergic asthma attack. An asthma flare should be treated with a quick-acting or rescue medication, Priya Patel, M.D., an allergist and immunologist at Penn Medicine, tells SELF.

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If a patient is not able to get their asthma under control with their rescue inhaler or nebulizer, they should contact their doctor immediately or go to the E.R. or urgent care if they are not able to reach their doctor, Dr. Li says. At this point, patients generally will need oral steroids to treat their asthma flare.

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How To Take And Store

You can take most antihistamines with or without food.

People generally take second-generation antihistamines in the morning. However, suppose your healthcare provider prescribes both an antihistamine and a leukotriene modifier for allergic asthma. In that case, it’s common to take the antihistamine in the morning and the leukotriene modifier in the evening.

You should store most antihistamines at room temperature. Read the product label for exact ranges to ensure they don’t get too warm or cold.

What If I Dont Feel Any Symptoms

Asthma is a chronic condition, and there isnt a cure. You may not be experiencing symptoms, but you still need to stay on track with your long-term medications.

Its also important to avoid your allergic triggers. By using a peak flow meter, you can get an early indicator that your air flow rate is changing, even before you feel an attack beginning.

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Q: How Well Does Treatment Work For Adults With Asthma

Asthma can be more difficult to control in adults for several reasons:

• Asthma medications can be less effective later in life, particularly for those who are obese.
• Oral steroids can worsen glaucoma, cataracts and osteoporosis.
• Being on beta-blockers for heart problems can increase the severity of asthma.
• The lungs and chest walls are stiffer and the muscles supporting deep breathing are weaker in adults.

For these reasons, adults with asthma are at increased risk for flare-ups and even hospitalization.

Improving Asthma With Tools And Devices

Asthma is a cyclical disease, with episodes that come and go. Asthma flare ups dont just happen, however. Subtle warning signs are there if you know where and how to look. By the time you begin coughing or wheezing, its too late. Your lungs are already congested and compromised. Thats why you need to pay close attention to the subtle signs. Follow the asthma treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.

The following management tools are proven to be excellent for anticipating, treating, and shortening an asthma attack. Always keep in mind that the real goal is to prevent or minimize asthma symptoms.

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Are Asthma Medicines Safe When Youre Breastfeeding

Asthma medicines do get into your breast milk, but the amounts are very low and are safe for the baby. If you take high doses of certain asthma medicines, like theophylline, your baby may become irritable or have trouble sleeping. To help prevent this, take your asthma medicines 3 or 4 hours before the next feeding. Your provider and your babys provider can help you adjust your medicine schedule so you and your baby can get the health benefits of breastfeeding.

Last reviewed: November, 2013

What If I Have A Sudden Attack

Always keep quick-acting medications with you. These should help you feel better within 20 to 60 minutes.

If your symptoms dont improve or continue to get worse, go to an emergency room or dial 911. Severe symptoms that warrant an emergency room visit include not being able to talk or walk due to shortness of breath and blue lips or fingernails.

Keep a copy of your asthma action plan on you so people around you have the necessary information to help.

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What If My Medications Stop Working

If your medications dont seem to be working, you may have to modify your treatment plan.

Symptoms of allergic asthma can change over time. Some long-term medications might be less effective as time goes on. Its important to discuss symptom and medication changes with your doctor.

Using an inhaler or other quick-acting medications too often is a sign that your allergic asthma isnt under control. Talk to your doctor about your current treatment options and whether youll need to make any changes.

Late Onset Asthma Triggers

This kind of asthma occurs when your bronchi start over-reacting to circumstances which can be

• emotional

Chinese Medicine mostly explains these under breathlessness and wheezing. See also asthma causes, below.

Commonly, a respiratory infection can weaken the lungs making them more susceptible to asthma.

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General Approach For Treating And Managing Asthma

Asthma is often a chronic condition but you can effectively manage it by:

• Working with your doctor to develop a written Asthma Action Plan that addresses daily maintenance treatment, rescue medications, and what to do if your asthma worsens.
• Following appropriate drug treatments and making necessary lifestyle changes.
• Identifying and avoiding allergens and other asthma triggers.
• Doing regular self-monitoring at home, including tracking peak flow meter readings.
• Communicating regularly with your doctor.

Based on your age, symptoms, and asthma severity, your doctor will determine an individualized treatment plan. In general, doctors recommend a stepwise approach for treating asthma. Medications and dosages are increased when needed, and decreased when possible. Your record of peak flow meter readings can help your doctor manage your medications and make necessary adjustments.

These are the signs of well-controlled asthma:

• Asthma symptoms occur twice a week or less
• Rescue bronchodilator medication is used twice a week or less
• Symptoms do not cause nighttime or early morning awakening
• Symptoms do not limit work, school, or exercise activities
• Peak flow meter readings are normal or the patient’s personal best
• Both the doctor and the patient consider the asthma to be well controlled

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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