Millions of people in the United States suffer from allergies and half of them also suffer from asthma. Allergies and asthma have common triggers and symptoms and that makes it hard to differentiate between them. Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander that cause allergy could trigger asthma signs and symptoms. The likely hood of an asthma attack can be increased when one has allergies. It’s important that if you experience a severe allergic reaction that you visit the allergist to avoid the condition becoming fatal especially if you have an asthma history.

What are Allergies and What are the causes?

Allergy is the reaction to otherwise unharmful substances such as pollen, mold, dust pet dander. The main difference between an allergy attack and an asthma attack is the location of the reaction. Allergies affect the upper respiratory system. The reaction is caused when the body produces antibodies which trigger the production of histamines. Histamines will cause the below symptoms

• Sneezing and congestion
• Watery and Itchy eyes
• Running Nose
• Rashes and hives
• An itchy throat
• Causes of Allergies
• Animal dander and dust mites
• Cockroaches and Mold
• Pollen

Most allergy symptoms disappear on their own after some hours. Avoid coming into contact with the allergy triggers. If the symptoms persist, visit the allergy doctor for a diagnosis.

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a more serious condition and it’s critical you visit the allergy clinic and let the asthma doctor examine you. Asthma is caused by the same antibodies that cause allergies, but the reaction is in the lungs and upper bronchial passage. The passage becomes inflamed and closes, resulting in difficulty breathing and coughing. When one is experiencing an asthma attack there is a high production of mucus due to the inflamed membranes that line the airwaves. Asthma is one of the most common chronic diseases and should be treated immediately to avoid fatalities. Make sure that you visit the asthma doctor for asthma treatment if you experience any of the below symptoms

• Coughing and wheezing
• Chest pains and shortness of breath
• Difficulty in breathing
• Coughing at night and early morning

Types of Asthma

Asthma is either allergic or nonallergic.

• Allergic asthma is triggered by the presence of allergens in the external environment. Allergens such as dust, pollen, and Mold will cause allergic asthma.
• Non-Allergic Asthma, on the other hand, is more permanent and it’s triggered by internal factors such as infection, breathing polluted air or changes in the quality of air. Nonallergic asthma can also be triggered by sudden weather changes.

Are Allergies and Asthma Linked?

Allergies and asthma are linked in the following ways;

• The location and severity of symptoms differ both allergies and asthma can be triggered by the same allergens.
• They are seasonal and will mostly occur in spring or summer when there are more allergens
• If you don’t visit the allergy clinic and get treatment for allergies they become asthma.
• Both allergies and asthma can happen simultaneously due to allergens

Difference between Allergies and Asthma

• Asthma can be caused by emotions,  such as sadness and infections while allergies can’t be caused by emotions. Allergies can only be caused by allergens
• Allergies become less severe as you grow older. As you grow older the immune system is less dramatic towards allergens. Asthma becomes worse as you grow older as the damage respiratory system accumulates more. As your child grows older the likely hood of asthma attacks increases.

How to Deal with Allergies and Asthma

• The first step is to see an allergy specialist to assess your situation. The allergy doctor will perform an allergy test and give you medication. Most of the symptoms of allergies and asthma will be cured by taking medicine such as antihistamines.
• The next step is to come up with a plan on how to avoid allergens. Avoid going out when the pollen levels are high and keep your house allergen free.

It’s important that you understand how severe your allergies and asthma are and how to deal with your condition, to ensure they don’t become fatal. Visit the asthma clinic MD as soon as you experience symptoms that may lead to an asthma attack. Make sure you stay away from allergens and that will ease your allergies and asthma.