Even though allergies and asthma are separate health issues, their symptoms can overlap. To make matters more confusing, sometimes allergies can trigger asthma attacks, too. Defined as "allergic asthma," this condition currently affects over 2.5 million children in the United States alone, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Knowing and limiting environmental triggers is key to managing both of these conditions.
Symptoms of Allergies
Symptoms of allergies involve irritation of the nose, throat and eyes. The most common reactions to allergens in the environment or the household include sneezing, coughing, watery and itchy eyes, throat congestion and a runny nose. A review on allergies and asthma by Kidshealth.org notes that allergic response starts as an overreaction of the immune system, which produces an antibody known as immunoglobulin E (IgE). The fight between IgE and the "invaders" in the body produces chemicals called histamines that directly cause the irritating, and sometimes disabling, symptoms of allergies. Although seasonal allergens like springtime pollens get most of the press, household allergens are actually much more prevalent. Some common allergens in the home include dander from pets, dust mites, molds and waste products from cockroaches.
Symptoms of Asthma
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder that affects the lungs and the airways leading to the lungs. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America lists asthma as one of the most common and expensive diseases in the United States. Asthma symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Congestion in the bronchial tubes prevents oxygen absorption, which is why asthma has been described by sufferers as drowning from the inside out.
Identifying Allergic Asthma
When an allergen triggers susceptible people to have asthma symptoms, they are said to suffer from allergic asthma. Again, not all allergy sufferers have asthma, and not all asthmatics suffer from allergies, but over half of all asthma sufferers have allergic asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. In this case, the release of IgE into the bloodstream sets up a chemical chain reaction that results in the swelling and inflammation of the airways, leading to the symptoms of asthma. Besides avoiding asthma triggers, patients can be prescribed medications that limit the overreaction in the immune system.
Factors Contributing to Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma can be inherited, too. Environmental factors such as allergens are not really the cause of asthma but rather are better described as catalysts that bring out symptoms in susceptible people. The Occupational Safety and Health Association notes that occupational factors such as allergic reactions to animals in the workplace or to rubber gloves also play a role, comprising an estimated 15 percent of asthma cases in the U.S. Exercise-induced asthma can also be triggered more easily if environmental allergens are present, resulting in more severe attacks. Home, work and play: allergic asthma can be triggered in all these arenas of life.
Reducing Exposure
Completely reducing exposure to asthma and allergic triggers may be impossible, but everyone can probably make some improvements in their home air quality. In the EPA whitepaper on "Indoor Air Quality," researchers suggest cleaning the home often to minimize dander, molds and mites, as well as surveying for areas that may encourage these indoor pests, such as water-damaged carpets or high-humidity areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Avoiding seasonal allergies is even harder, but a simple breathing mask can make a real difference when traveling past pollinating trees and grasses.
