Allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger hay fever may also cause asthma, including pollen, dust mites and pet dander. Symptoms of both conditions are similar: shortness of breath, wheezing and tightness in the chest. In addition, skin or food allergies may cause asthma symptoms in some people.
An allergic response occurs when the body’s antibodies react to something such as pollen. The antibodies bind to the allergen in an attempt to protect the body, when in reality no protection is necessary. The antibodies have misidentified the pollen as something that will attack the immune system. The chemicals released by the immune system produce the signs of allergy: nasal congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes or skin. The same reaction in some people also affects the lungs and bronchial tubes, which produces asthma symptoms.
Asthma is not only caused by allergens. Some people suffer from exercise-induced asthma. Others become asthmatic when coping with the common cold, viral infections, or even an abrupt change in temperature, especially a burst of cold air.
To keep allergies or asthma under control, you need to know what your triggers are and minimize exposure. Depending on the severity of your allergy or asthma attacks, you may want to see a doctor and get tested to define your personal allergies. To complicate matters, allergy and asthma symptoms do not necessarily stay the same. You need to stay alert to your body’s signals and become familiar with them to adjust treatment as needed.
There are many medications to treat allergies or asthma, but prevention is best. By strengthening your immune system, you minimize future attacks. Also, try to pinpoint the source of your allergies, especially if the source is indoors. Examples of possible indoor allergens are dust mites, animal dander and insects.
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