Ten million American adults and children suffer from allergic or extrinsic asthma, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Not all asthma is allergy-related, but people with allergies may have asthma symptoms when the immune system reacts with allergens. In the process, the body releases histamine, which when released in the lungs causes the lung tissues to inflame, secrete mucus and constrict the air passages, resulting in symptoms of asthma. Common allergens that trigger asthma symptoms include pollen, dust, pet dander, mold and certain foods. Treatment of extrinsic asthma involves avoiding the allergens that trigger asthma, managing symptoms and treating the underlying causes of both allergy and asthma.
Corticosteroids
Medicines that reduce the symptoms of asthma and reduce the underlying swelling and inflammation are called controller medications. Controller drugs are taken regularly to prevent asthma attacks caused by allergies. Inhaled corticosteroids may be the most effective treatment in controlling persistent asthma, as they reduce swelling and mucus build-up in the nose and airways. According to MayoClinic.com, side effects don't tend to be bothersome for most people, but can include an infection in the mouth, cough, hoarseness or headache.
Anti-leukotrienes
Another type of controller drug treatment is the use of anti-leukotrienes, which reduce inflammation and swelling, relax the airway muscles, and also control nasal swelling, runny nose and sneezing. Anti-leukotrienes may produce side effects such as upper respiratory infection or ear infection, and also cause psychological symptoms such as irritability, hallucinations or depression, warns MayoClinic.com.
Bronchodilators
Bronchodilators open the airway by relaxing the surrounding muscles of the bronchial types. Bronchodilators can either be long-acting controllers or short-term relieving medications. Long-acting beta-agonist bronchodilators, called LABAs, are used with other anti-inflammatory drugs, like corticosteroids, on a daily basis to prevent asthma attacks. Short-acting beta-agonists, termed SABAs, can quickly dilate the airways and improve breathing in an asthma attack. The most common side effects associated with bronchodilators include nervousness, restlessness and trembling.
Antihistamines
Medications that prevent the effect of histamines, called antihistamines, may reduce the symptoms of asthma and allergy. Oral antihistamines reduce swelling, runny nose and watery eyes, while nasal antihistamine sprays relieve congestion, sneezing and itchy or runny nose. Antihistamines are often mixed with decongestants, which reduces swelling inside the nose and relieves stuffiness. Antihistamines can cause excessive drowsiness and this can impair your ability to drive or operate machinery.
