Signs that may “show” allergic asthma

When your allergies are combined with , it is known as allergic asthma. This makes your airways tighten every time you inhale an allergen. Allergiologist and immunologist, Dr. Ronald Purcell, explains what allergic asthma is and how to manage your symptoms. Although many different allergens can cause allergic asthma, they all have a common feature: They’re in the environment, not in your food or medicine. Such allergens may be: – pet hair – dust lobsters – cockroaches – mold – pollen If pollen or mold is what triggers allergic asthma, this can only occur seasonally. If it is caused by pets or dust mites, then you may have symptoms all year round. Allergic asthma: Signs and symptoms Allergic rhinitis affects the nose and sinuses. It can cause the following symptoms: -sneezing -nasal congestion -suspension in the nose and eyes Asthma affects your lungs mostly. It can cause the following symptoms: – cough – wheezing – chest tightness – shortness of breath or quick breathing But when you have allergic asthma, you will likely develop both sets of symptoms simultaneously. In children, symptoms of allergic asthma may be more subtle, notes Dr Purcell. Children may simply complain that they are too tired to play, but parents must check for wheezing or cough. “If other children run playing and your child wants to sit on the sidelines, he may have trouble breathing,” he says. Allergic asthma: Treatment and management of symptoms An allergic test can help you determine what causes your allergies. Additional tests can help confirm the diagnosis of asthma. Once you realize you have allergic asthma, identifying and avoiding the causes that trigger it will help you to check your symptoms. The same methods will not work for all allergies. For example, dust mites are not transmitted into the air, but cat and dog fur do. To reduce allergens in your home, Dr Purcell recommends: – High-performance air particle filter (HEPA) to reduce airborne allergens – Minimizing or eliminating exposure to pets -Special covers for dust mites in bed linen -Indoor moisture levels 35% – Regular cleaning on floor and kitchen surfaces -Change clothes and shower after entering the house, if you are allergic to pollen -Close doors and windows when the atmosphere outside has a lot of pollen (Spring) -Although mold is more allergenic outdoors, it can develop indoors if there is an unwanted source of moisture (water leaks, roof or basement are common sources of water penetration). Source: