Asthma is a chronic inflammatory condition of the lungs. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology website, about 20 million Americans suffer from asthma, which is one of the leading causes of childhood hospitalizations and school absenteeism and a leading cause of death among children. Understanding the interaction between allergies and asthma is important to decrease the effects of this condition among the general population.
Significance
According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website, allergic asthma, or asthma triggered by exposure to an allergen, is the most common type of asthma, affecting about half of all asthmatics, including 2.5 million children. Allergens are substances such as dust mites, pet dander and mold, which can trigger the body's allergic reaction--and possibly an asthma attack.
Triggers
Allergens trigger a biochemical cascade in the body, increasing the production of IgE, or immunoglobulin E, a naturally occurring protein in the body which, at elevated levels, increases the inflammation around the airways, causing them to constrict.
Symptoms
Allergies and asthma can have similar symptoms. Patients with allergies often experience allergic rhinitis, with runny nose and frequent sneezing. These symptoms can then evolve into wheezing, shortness of breath and cough from the constriction of the airways due to inflammation and increased production of mucus and phlegm.
Prevention/Solution
Prevention is key to avoiding allergic reactions and decreasing the frequency of asthma attacks. It is important to have a clean home environment, free of pet dander, dust mites, smoke and mold. Antihistamines can help decrease the occurrence of allergic symptoms. Inhaled steroids can help decrease the inflammation around the airways that is common to both patients with allergies and asthmatics. If shortness of breath and wheezing occur, fast-acting bronchodilators, such as albuterol, can help open up the airways to improve air exchange.
Geography
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America ranks cities in their "Asthma Capitals" list. These are cities in which living with asthma and allergies is particularly challenging. Most of the cities on its list are in the South and share some factors, such as a higher-than-average pollen count, poor air quality and lack of smoke-free laws.
Considerations
On an interview at the Mayo Clinic website, James Li, MD, an allergist at the Mayo Clinic, discusses other treatments for allergies. These include allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy; nasal steroids, to reduce the inflammation associated with allergic rhinitis; and leukotriene modifiers, which are medicines that help control the chemicals associated with the allergic response.
