May is Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, the perfect time to learn about the causes of asthma and allergies and how to manage them.

Allergy-induced asthma, or allergic asthma, is a common form of asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, pet dander, mold spores, dust mites, and cigarette smoke. When an allergen enters your body, it causes your immune system to react by releasing histamine. This chemical causes your airways to constrict, resulting in asthmatic symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, rapid breathing, and chest tightness.

There is a fine line between allergies and asthma, as they have many overlapping symptoms. Getting tested is the only way to know whether allergies are causing your asthma. Your doctor can use a skin or blood test to detect the presence of IgE antibodies that indicate an allergic response. After diagnosis, you will likely be prescribed antihistamines, nasal sprays, and inhalers to help manage your symptoms. 

You can also manage your allergies by avoiding triggers, wearing breathable masks, and keeping your home clean and dust-free. Read on for more information on the link between allergies and asthma, how to identify and manage your allergies, and available treatments.

The link between asthma and allergies

Asthma is a chronic and long-term inflammation of the airways, while allergies are an overreaction of the immune system triggered by allergens. But while they are two different things, asthma and allergies have a complex relationship. Research shows that up to 60% of the 25 million Americans with asthma have allergic asthma, where allergens like pollen, dust mites, animals, and smoke can trigger asthma symptoms.

If you have allergies, your immune system overreacts to otherwise harmless substances (known as allergens) by producing too many immunoglobulin E (IgE) antibodies. This causes the release of histamine, leading to constricted airways, a hallmark asthma symptom. You may also experience breathing difficulties, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Identifying and managing your allergies is essential to keeping allergic asthma under control.

Is your asthma caused by allergies?

Your doctor can determine whether you have allergic asthma by performing a blood or skin test. The blood test identifies and measures IgE antibodies, which are produced as a reaction to allergens. A skin test involves applying common allergens to your skin and assessing the reaction. 

Your doctor may also run several tests to diagnose your asthma and rule out other underlying conditions. Typical asthma tests include:

• Spirometry: This involves taking a deep breath and exhaling into a tube connected to a computer that measures the airflow in your lungs.
• Bronchoprovocation test: Similar to a skin allergy test, the doctor will ask you to breathe in possible allergens to determine what causes your asthma.
• Exhaled nitric oxide test (FeNO test): This test measures the amount of nitric oxide in your breath after exhaling. Detection of nitric oxide indicates inflammation in the airways.

Recognizing triggers and managing symptoms

After diagnosis, your doctor will create a treatment plan to reduce the severity of your symptoms. This may involve avoiding triggers, using medications, and adopting other asthma management techniques. 

Since almost any substance can be a trigger, it may take some work to determine exactly what is causing your attacks. You can do this by keeping a journal tracking when and where you experience symptoms. Common triggers include:

Pollen

Pollen is a leading trigger of asthma and allergies. Trees, grasses, and weeds release it into the air when they’re in bloom, and it can travel for miles in the air. Pollen levels are high in the mornings and peak during the midday hours, so it’s best to stay indoors as much as possible during those times. Climate change also makes pollen seasons longer and more intense, increasing risk of exposure.

Dust mites

Dust mites are tiny bugs that live in bedding, clothes, carpets, and furniture. They feed on dead skin cells, and their droppings can cause allergic reactions. Dust mites survive in warm and humid environments, so keeping your home clean and its humidity levels low is important. Vacuum frequently, use air purifiers, and wash your bedding in hot water.

Pet dander

Particles of skin shed by cats, dogs, and other animals contain proteins that can cause an allergic reaction and trigger asthma attacks. Avoiding pets entirely isn’t always realistic, but you can reduce your exposure by bathing and grooming pets regularly, keeping them out of your bedroom, and using air filters to reduce dander in the air.

Mold

Mold is a type of fungus that grows in damp, dark environments. It releases spores into the air, which can trigger an allergic reaction and asthma symptoms when inhaled. To avoid mold, keep your home clean and dry, repair any water leaks, use a dehumidifier, and minimize clutter.

Wearing breathable masks outdoors, keeping windows and doors closed, cleaning regularly, and using air purifiers in the home are the best ways to reduce exposure to most allergens. Your doctor may also recommend certain medications after diagnosis to help reduce symptoms and prevent attacks.

Treatment for allergic asthma

Typical medications used to manage allergic asthma include:

• Inhaled corticosteroids: These help reduce inflammation in the airways. They include fluticasone propionate (Flovent Diskus and Xhance), beclomethasone (Qvar Redihaler), and budesonide (Rhinocort and Pulmicort Respules).
• Inhalers: These deliver a quick burst of medication to open the airways and reduce inflammation. Common inhalers include albuterol (Ventolin HFA, ProAir HFA), levalbuterol (Xopenex HFA), and formoterol (Perforomist).
• Allergy shots (immunotherapy): These shots contain small amounts of allergens, which helps you build up tolerance over time and reduces symptoms and sensitivity.
• Biologics: If you suffer from severe, persistent asthma, your doctor may recommend biologics. These injectable medications target specific molecules in the body to reduce inflammation. They include omalizumab (Xolair), dupilumab (Dupixent), and benralizumab (Fasenra).

You can manage allergy-induced asthma by understanding your triggers, avoiding allergens when possible, and taking the appropriate medications. Your doctor can help create a personalized approach to keep your symptoms under control and reduce your risk of an asthma attack. And there are other resources to help you manage the financial burden of treatment.

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