This article explains Allergic Asthma, Causes of Allergic Asthma, Symptoms of Allergic Asthma & Treatment of Allergic Asthma.
Allergic asthma
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. About 90% of children and 50% of adults have anything to do with an allergy. Inhaled specific substances, called allergens (allergic pathogens, for example, pollen, dust mites, mold) exacerbate the symptoms of asthma, which in this case is called allergic asthma. Almost every second asthmatic (with allergic and non-allergic asthma) feels impaired after exercising in cold air or inhaling smoke, dust or strong odors.
Since allergens are present everywhere, it is important for people with allergic asthma to identify their allergies and their pathogens and learn how to prevent the worsening of asthma symptoms.
What is an allergy?
The main task of the immune system is to protect the body from bacteria and viruses. However, in people with allergies, immunoglobulin E of the immune system is too sensitive. He can begin to fight with absolutely harmless substances, for example, cat fur or pollen, as if they were dangerous viruses, and attack them (in the nose, lungs, eyes and under the skin).
When the body encounters allergens, it creates special cells called immunoglobulin E. These protective cells cause an allergic reaction. They provoke the release of substances such as histamine, which causes inflammation and swelling. When the body tries to resist allergens, there is what is called allergy symptoms, for example, a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing.
What is allergic asthma?
If you have allergic asthma, the airways are hypersensitive to certain allergens. Once the allergen enters the respiratory tract, the immune system begins to react. Muscle tissues surrounding the respiratory tract are greatly reduced (this process is called bronchospasm). And the airways become inflamed and filled with thick mucus.
Whether it's allergic or non-allergic asthma, the symptoms are almost the same:
- Cough
- Wheezing
- Dyspnea
- Rapid breathing
- The feeling of contraction in the region of the chest
Common allergens
Allergens that are small enough to get into the lungs:
- Pollen from trees, grass and flowers
- Mold spores or fragments thereof
- Particles of wool, leather or feathers, as well as saliva of animals
- Excrement of dust mite
- Excrement of cockroaches
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Allergens[/caption]An allergic reaction can occur even if you scratch an allergenic substance (causing itching and redness of the skin), the allergen gets into the eyes (causes itching and redness of the eyes) and inside (if you accidentally swallow it), which in some cases may be a potential threat to life - cause anaphylactic shock (including life-threatening asthma attacks).
Remember: allergens are not the only thing that causes allergic asthma. Irritants can trigger an asthma attack, although they do not cause an allergic reaction. The stimuli inhaled with oxygen can also cause an attack. Such irritants are:
- Tobacco smoke
- Smoke from the fireplace, candles, incense or fireworks
- Contaminated air
- Cold air, especially physical exercise in the cold air
- Strong chemical odors or fumes
- Parfums, air fresheners and other flavored products
- Dusty workplace
The doctor can recommend taking an allergy test and asthma that will accurately determine which allergens, external or domestic, cause an asthma attack. The two most common (and recommended) tests are:
- test on the skin, by contacting a small amount of the allergen with the skin (in 20 minutes the size of the redness or blisters appearing on the skin is measured);
- a blood test (radioallergosorbent test or determination of immunoglobulin E level).
How to prevent allergic asthma?
The main task in managing allergic asthma is to limit contact with allergens. Here are some tips on how to do this:
- In the period of rapid flowering, it is better to stay at home (if possible). The windows must be closed. Do not use the evaporative cooler. If it's hot, you can use the air conditioner with a clean filter. Do not use old air conditioners with a musty smell, or covered with mold.
- Dust mites live in tissues and carpeting, but they are so small that it is simply impossible to see them with the naked eye. Therefore, pack the pillows, mattresses and spring bed grid in hypoallergenic covers with zippers. Once a week you need to wash the bed linen in very hot water. If possible, get rid of wall carpets. Just get rid of all the dust collectors, for example, heavy curtains, furniture with soft lining and a heap of clothes. If your child has allergic asthma, do not keep soft toys at home or try to buy only those that can be washed.
- Watch the level of humidity in the apartment (for this you can buy an inexpensive moisture meter). If humidity is increased (relative humidity above 40%), use a desiccant or air conditioner. This will significantly reduce the growth and development of mold, cockroaches, and house dust mites. Seal all leaks in the water pipes and roof (but do not do it yourself).If you have pets, take a test for an allergic reaction (or radioallergosorbent test). This will determine whether your body is sensitive to animals or not. We all love dogs and cats, but if they are allergic, it will be much better to keep pets on the street or not to start them at all. If this is not possible, limit the scope of his actions: do not allow animals to enter the bedroom. To do this, you can install an inexpensive door mechanism that automatically closes the door.
- A high level of animal allergen remains in the house or apartment for a long time, even after the animal in the house was gone. There are no hypoallergenic cats or dogs. Some pets need to bathe once a week: this reduces the amount of inhaled allergens in the apartment. As shown by the practice of aerosols and sprays.
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pet allergy[/caption]- Bathroom and kitchen should be kept clean and dry - this will prevent the appearance of mold and cockroaches. If you are allergic to cockroaches and you notice their presence in the kitchen, contact the appropriate company that deals with the destruction of insects. The use of a spray alone against insects is not enough. It is necessary to limit their access to food, even small crumbs and oil stains on the stove should not remain. Use an exhaust fan (or vacuum cleaner) after each cooking or taking a bath to remove residual water and, accordingly, reduce humidity.
- A large high-efficiency air filter effectively removes smoke and other small particles (eg pollen) from the room. These filters do not fight with high humidity and dust mites. Try to avoid electric air purifiers, since they usually create ozone, which provokes inflammatory processes in the airways.
- Be careful when doing work on the street. Works in the garden, for example, harvesting leaves, can stir up and pick up pollen and mold spores. Wear a filter mask (especially working in the garden), it will help to reduce the level of ingress of pollen and mold particles into the lungs.
Medications, injections and allergic asthma
Knowing your allergens, which are particularly sensitive to the body, and measures to reduce contact with them will increase the control of asthma. But, nevertheless, this does not reduce the need for medications used to treat asthma. You still need to deal with inflammatory processes caused by respiratory diseases or unchanged (often unavoidable) environmental factors that exacerbate the disease.
Proper treatment of nasal allergies includes antihistamine, non-sedative, means (eg, OTC Claritin), rinsing with saline, nasal sprays (several days), and if nasal steroid sprays (sold only on prescription) do not help and strong antihistamine. If all these funds do not help, you need to visit an allergist who will try the effectiveness of allergen injections (immunotherapy).
There are many good means of controlling and alleviating the symptoms of asthma, but you can not take them without prescribing your doctor. These drugs include inhaled steroids, long-acting inhaled bronchodilators, inhalers, and tablets. Prednisone can be taken for several days. It helps with severe asthma attacks. If none of the known traditional therapies and drugs does not help, then you can try an injection of Xolair, which lowers the level of immunoglobulin E.