Article QS - http://www.articleqs.com
Allergy and Asthma are related to each other
http://www.articleqs.com/articles/39/1/Allergy-and-Asthma-are-related-to-each-other/Page1.html
Varsha Srivastava

 
By Varsha Srivastava
Published on 03/23/2009
 
Almost every asthma patient have allergy problem or you can say that allergies and asthma occur together. Moreover, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma in the whole world.

In the allergic asthma the substances that trigger the allergy symptoms also create a problem in the airways, leading to many asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.


Almost every asthma patient have allergy problem or you can say that allergies and asthma occur together. Moreover, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma in the whole world.

In the allergic asthma the substances that trigger the allergy symptoms also create a problem in the airways, leading to many asthma symptoms such as chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Our immune system plays major role in protecting us from bacteria, viruses and other microorganisms. While in allergic people allergen specific antibodies which is also known as immunoglobulin E, or IgE portion is too vigilant. So in this case it may treat substances like pollen grains and other non-infecting particles as their enemy and so it attacks them. And when the body encounters these allergens, it creates special cells called IgE antibodies. It is then releases a chemical called histamine which basically creates swelling and inflammation. The patient feels these allergies as runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. This is because body is trying to destroy these allergens.

Asthmatic people can be allergic to pollen, dust mites or pet dander. There are many people who might get allergic to some kind of food also and that may cause asthma symptoms. These are also called allergens. Allergens can be described as environmental particles both indoors and outdoors that induces an allergic response. When the patient take breathe in allergens content environment it causes the airway channels of the lungs to swell. The inflammation of the lungs then brings the symptoms of asthma. These symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
Sometimes there can be a nasal congestion, scratchy eyes or you can see rashes on the skin due to reaction.

Allergens can be anywhere, so it is most important that people with allergic asthma should know about the things that are allergic to them or can cause allergies. They must learn about the preventing measures of asthma symptoms. This is important in order to get better control of allergic asthma. Also, it will lessen the chances of having an allergens attack and secondly it is useful in making formula for a specific immunotherapy or allergy shots. Upon doing the allergy test and once doctor know which allergens are triggering an asthmatic reaction, patients are then advised to limit their involvement in and around the area of exposure.

There are few medications available for asthma which is triggered by allergies is:

* Anti-IgE monoclonal antibodies-
The medication omalizumab (Xolair) is used to treat severe and persistent asthma caused by airborne allergens. When there is an allergy, the immune system produces allergy causing IgE antibodies to attack the substances that generally cause no harm, such as pollen, dust, and pet dander. Xolair actually blocks the action of these antibodies and reduce the immune reaction. Xolair is usually delivered by injection every two to four weeks
* Immunotherapy- In immunotherapy the allergy-desensitization shots help if you have allergic asthma and are not controlled by avoiding triggers also. This therapy starts with skin tests to determine which allergens trigger your asthma symptoms. It is then followed by a series of therapeutic injections containing small doses of those allergens. You will receive injections once in a week for few months and then once a month for a period of three to five years. As a result, patient will lose sensitivity to the allergens.

There is many other medications work both for allergies and asthma; however it may have to take differently. For example, corticosteroids, this medicine has to spray into the nose to reduce inflammation from hay fever. Corticosteroid also comes as a cream which can be applied on the skin to reduce inflammation by an allergic skin reaction. And yet other type corticosteroids are there which can be inhaled so that you can breathe this medicine into your lungs using an inhaler device. It will reduce inflammation of the bronchial tubes caused by asthma.

This article is the property of ArticleQS.com; Copying and Publishing the content is strictly prohibited.