Asthma And Allergy -
What Is The Connection?

When we hear of allergy and asthma studies, we often find them lumped together.  Is there really a connection between allergies and asthma?  To get to the answer to this, we must first learn what allergies and asthma actually are.

Allergies are immune system reactions to things that others would find harmless.  Certain foods, pollen, even dust are all considered allergens that can trigger an allergic reaction.  The immune system produces antibodies that release chemicals

Asthma is a chronic lung condition, characterized by difficulty in breathing due to extra sensitive or hyper-responsive airways. During an asthma attack, the airways become irritated and react by narrowing and constructing, causing increased resistance to airflow, and obstructing the flow of air to and from the lungs. 

Allergy And Asthma Can Cause Similar Problems  

Asthma and allergy are similar in that they can cause misery for millions of people. Both of these ailments affect our immune system so that it over reacts to simple substances such as pollen or dust. Anyone who suffers from asthma is familiar with the breathing problems that can come from this condition. 

With seasonal asthma, airborne allergens can set off asthma and allergy attacks, and pollen happens to be a major problem. 

When the levels of pollen change, many people can have severe reactions when concentrations become too high. There are also some types of molds that have been known to aggravate asthmatic conditions

Whether big or small, almost anything that floats outdoors has the potential to set off an attack. These assorted noxious chemicals are made up of tiny particles that are small enough to be inhaled deep into the lungs and cause asthma symptoms.

Allergy Induced Asthma Can Change With The Seasons 

Although weather and temperature are not touchable, they can cause a lot of problems in your lungs. Your body feels an extreme change and overreacts.  The usual cells that attack foreign bodies get on the defense and cause the airways in your lungs to swell.

While the worst environment for an asthmatic is cold, dry air, the best one is hot, humid air that can open the airways. And this is usually in the form of severe shortness of breath and tightening of the chest. Regardless of the particular source, contaminants should be avoided whenever possible.

Asthma is in no way an allergy, but a lot of the same burdens that bother allergy suffers also affect people who suffer from asthma. Technology has brought with it real-time air quality reports that can be consulted before exposure to outdoor air that may cause irritation to asthmatics.

When spring starts, a good way to celebrate is by making an appointment with your physician or allergist before your seasonal allergies get the best of you. Do this early - especially if over-the-counter medications don't control your symptoms or your allergies interfere with your day-to-day activities.

Other Asthma Triggers That Can Worsen Attacks

In addition to weather and temperature, changes the amount of pollen in the air can aggravate asthma and allergy symptoms. In some cases, adverse reactions can often be reduced by limiting exposure to these irritants.

These are all natural irritants that appear often throughout the year, but are particularly high during periods of humid weather. 

In urban areas, pollutants are the primary risk factors for individuals who suffer from asthma and allergy attacks. One of the most significant factors for many asthma sufferers comes in the form of man-made pollutants. Unfortunately, many hazardous elements are frequently found in chemical form and can affect the eyes, lungs and sinuses. 

Pollutants such as ozone, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and other compounds are created by factories, traffic exhaust and other various sources. They can trigger extreme asthma symptoms in some people, especially those in or near large cities. There are a large number of people who find they are more susceptible to artificial contamination than to natural ones. 

Learn what triggers your asthma so that you can avoid it. 

For some people, this is allergy related; things like pollen and dust can start an attack. For others, physical activities can cause them. Try to see what cause your asthma so that you can avoid it.

Asthma Prevention: Ways To Keep Allergens Away 

Staying indoors and keeping the windows closed can help prevent pollutants, such as pollen and certain molds from entering your home. Clean air is the number one thing that you can do for your family to maintain maximum lung function at home.

• Clean your air. Air cleaners can be of one of the greatest aide in filtering out unwanted contaminants. Air filtration systems are specially designed to reduce unwanted elements in the air.
• Maintain a clean home. Keeping the home environment clean will help keep colds and flu from spreading in the home. Clean environments will help to protect your loved ones who have asthma or allergies. The air is full of pollution and germs outdoors and inside so clean as much as possible.
• Keep warm. During colder months, wear a shawl, scarf or muffler to avoid asthma. This will warm the air up before you breathe it into your lungs. Inhalation of cold air is proven to initiate asthma attacks, and younger kids afflicted with asthma of moderate or severe proportions are especially at risk.
• Watch the pollen counts. Asthma sufferers should definitely stay indoors more when pollen increases. Adjust your activity accordingly to protect yourself from seasonal asthma issues. Even though asthma is not considered to be an allergy, asthma is triggered by the same things that cause allergies. Technology has brought with it real-time air quality reports that can be consulted before exposure to outdoor air that may cause irritation to asthmatics.

For those who have been diagnosed with any asthmatic condition, it is important to closely monitor triggers in the local area. Knowing where contaminating items are concentrated and sidestepping them can be a key factor in asthma management. 

If you have asthma and have frequent attacks that are related to allergies, there are medicines that can be injected to provide you with long-term relief.

More Information
On The Safest Asthma Treatments

Asthma does not have to leave you breathless. Even though it can be difficult to live with, it can be successfully controlled.  With the right therapy, you can take your life back. If you want to learn about different medical treatments and natural remedies, take a peek at:

An Easy Definition...	Do I Have Asthma?	Asthma Symptoms
Science Of An Asthma Attack	Causes Of Asthma	Severe Asthma
Complications Of Asthma	Allergies And Asthma	Stress And Asthma

Bronchitis And Asthma: What Is The Difference

Many people with asthma find fewer complications when they find a management plan that really works. Read The SAFE Asthma Treatment Guide and discover the four steps to controlling asthma.  

With a little help from your doctor and the right plan of action, you can control your wheezing so that you can breathe easier.

And remember … any asthma treatment prescribed by a physician should always be taken as ordered, even if there are no symptoms. Your doctor is the gatekeeper to keeping you healthy.

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