Allergy-induced asthma attacks occur when someone encounters an external irritant such as pollen, animal dander or household chemicals. The inner walls of the bronchial tubes become sore and swollen, which diminishes lung size and constricts airflow, according to MedlinePlus. Wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and difficulty breathing are signs of an allergy attack. Using a fast-acting method in tandem with preventative medicine helps to reduce instances of restricted breathing for a more independent life. If breathing troubles arise and regular treatment does not work, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.
Fast-Acting Inhaler
When an asthma attack begins, constricted airways prevent adequate amounts of oxygen from flowing freely in and out of the lungs. Physicians prescribe bronchodilators such as albuterol as a fast-acting medication for all asthma-related occurrences, including those induced by allergies. Bronchodilators relax the muscles in the airways to quickly increase air flow to the lungs, according to the Drug Information site. It is a common medication for those who experience breathing troubles in response to obstructive airway disease, as well as those with exercise-induced bronchospasms.
Preventative Inhaler
Doctors determine preventative inhaler types based on the severity of the asthma. Corticosteroids, for example, mimic the body's hormones to suppress inflammation caused by allergy-induced asthma, MayoClinic.com says. Certain preventative inhalers combine compounds such as budesonide, a corticosteroid, and formoterol, a bronchodilator. Doctors generally prescribe corticosteroids for people with mild asthma, while those with chronic asthma symptoms or with pulmonary disorders usually use combination preventative inhalers. This is due to recent studies that show combination preventative medicines as contributing to asthma-related deaths during long-term use. Always discuss appropriate medication types with a physician and adhere to prescription doses.
Antileukotriene and Antihistamines
Allergens that cause asthma are plentiful, ranging from molds and dander to pollutants and pollen. Daily antihistamines are for those with allergy-related asthma as a means to decrease the occurrence of asthma attacks for improved living. Histamine naturally releases into the body when it encounters an allergen. This causes inflammation of the airways, causing breathing problems. Cetirizine and loratadine act to circumvent histamine from attaching to cells within the body, causing them to leak fluid, according to FamilyDoctor.org.
Alternately, doctors may prescribe leukotriene blockers for asthmatic individuals. Leukotrines cause potent inflammation, airway hyper-responsiveness and induce bronchoconstriction, reports the American Family Physicians. Antileukotrienes help to circumvent these symptoms by blocking receptor cells. Montelukast, for example, helps to prevent and treat seasonal and long-term allergies, such as sneezing, runny nose, itching and/or wheezing, according to the Drug Information website.
