Allergies and Asthma are often comorbid conditions – meaning that they are both present at the same time – for many patients.
In fact, in the UK it is estimated that between 60% and 90% of Asthma patients also have Allergies, with this figure being the highest for children.
This often leads people to the inevitable conclusion that their Allergies are causing their Asthma, but is this really the case?
In this article we take an in depth look at all you need to know about Asthma, Allergies and the link between them.
Asthma is a chronic disease that inflames and narrows the airways, leading to wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing.
These symptoms often occur at night or early in the morning and can also create secondary symptoms such as fatigue, low energy and difficulty sleeping.
Uncontrolled Asthma symptoms are dangerous and Asthma attacks can lead to needing urgent medical attention and hospital stays. Furthermore, the daily toll of living with Asthma can have a huge impact on quality of life for the patient and their family.
Fortunately, with the correct diagnosis and crucially, with the identification of an effective treatment plan, Asthma can be manageable for patients.
It is often thought that Allergies are the cause of a patient’s Asthma, however it is not that simple a matter. Whilst Asthma can be triggered or exacerbated by allergens, an allergy in itself does not cause a patient to have Asthma.
It is not fully understood why some patients develop Asthma, but it is likely down to both genetic and environmental factors.
The important thing to note is that Asthma and Allergies can go hand in hand, so it is vital that you seek a proper assessment for both of these conditions so that they can be managed effectively in conjunction with one another.
It is preferable to see a specialist for a functional treatment plan for both Asthma and specific Allergies, and even better if these specialists are able to work together.
At Dr Helen Allergy we have both Allergy and Respiratory specialists collaborating to ensure the most effective treatment plan for patients.
Allergies are one of the most common Asthma triggers, meaning that they can provoke an attack in patients. Therefore, identifying any allergic triggers that contribute to the onset of Asthma is vital in order to maintain safety and quality of life for patients.
Having a proactive approach to managing allergies significantly reduces the frequency and severity of asthma attacks and promotes better respiratory health.
Allergies to house dust mites, pets, mould or pollen can trigger Asthma symptoms in patients. Other triggers often include; smoke, pollution, cold air, exercise, stress or viral infections.
By effectively identifying and avoiding or treating the things which spark Asthma symptoms, patients are less likely to suffer with their Asthma on a daily basis. In order to seek appropriate Allergy testing and diagnosis, ensure that you consult with a certified GP or Allergy specialist who is able to carry out recognised allergy testing and interpret the results correctly.
House dust mite allergy is very common and associated with both Asthma and Eczema.
Mites are found in carpets, soft furnishing, mattresses etc and whilst measures can be taken to avoid house dust mite, it is not possible to entirely remove dust mite allergens in the home.
However, adjustments such as Anti-allergy bedding and mattress covers can be helpful, as can hoovering mattresses, dusting with a damp cloth and minimising soft toys and furnishings in the bedroom.
For more information on house dust mite allergy https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/house-dust-mite-allergy.
Mould produces airborne spores which are microscopic in size. Mould spores can particularly affect those with respiratory allergy and exacerbate conditions such as Asthma.
Whilst we often think of mould as being in damp environments it is prevalent in all sorts of places and is difficult to avoid completely.
Taking sensible mould reduction measures at home can however help alleviate symptoms. To read more on how to do this at home visit www. https://www.allergyuk.org.
Pet allergy can have a huge impact on Asthma. It is commonly thought that animal hair is responsible for the allergic symptoms, however pet allergy is caused by the protein in a pet’s saliva, urine or dander (shed skin particles).
Like all environmental allergies, the main management strategy will often be avoidance of the allergen (ie. animal) where possible.
However, many patients with animal allergies choose to keep their pets and cope with their symptoms taking measures such as keeping them out of the bedroom and washing them in anti-allergy shampoo.
Nonetheless, in the case of severe Asthma, it may be advisable to avoid the allergy causing animals completely. For more information read https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/pet-allergies-dr-helen-allergy/
The key to living well with Asthma, Allergies or indeed the combination of both is having access to a treatment plan which works for you.
It is crucial that the patient is seen by the appropriate medical professionals and that all treatment is prescribed appropriately.
To treat Asthma symptoms a combination of preventative and reliever inhalers may be prescribed, alongside other medications depending on the individual need.
To treat Allergic symptoms a combination of allergy avoidance and medications like antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays may be advised.
Moreover, immunotherapy is becoming an increasingly available and effective treatment for the long-term management of Allergies and co-existing conditions.
Immunotherapy is offered orally (via drops or a dissolvable tablet under the tounge, known as sublingual immunotherapy or SLIT) for many environmental allergies such as animals, house dust mite and pollen.
At Dr Helen Allergy there are a range of immunotherapy options available, and the treatment options are continuing to develop and increase all the time.
There is also some evidence that sublingual immunotherapy for house dust mite/ pollen, when undertaken before the age of 5 years, can prevent asthma from forming. To find out more about immunotherapy options https://drhelenallergy.co.uk/
