Allergies and Asthma
Allergies can make asthma worse, although not all people with asthma have allergies, and not all people with allergies have asthma. In people with allergies, the immune system becomes sensitive to normally harmless substances known as allergens. Common allergens include pollen, mold spores, animal dander from feathered or furry animals, dust mites (a major component of house dust in humid climates) and cockroaches. On contact with the allergen, the allergic person's body produces chemicals that irritate the inflamed airways and lead to symptoms. Allergy symptoms may include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, skin problems (Eczema) and/or a rash.
You can read more about the following allergens by clicking on each below:
Facts About Allergies
The tendency to develop allergies may be inherited. If you have allergic tendencies and are exposed to certain things in your environment (allergens), you may develop allergies to some of those things. Examples of allergy symptoms include itchy eyes, runny nose, asthma symptoms, eczema and rash. The timing of the allergic response may be immediate or delayed.
Depending on your medical and family history, age and environment, allergy testing may be necessary. We recommend that testing be done under the supervision of a board certified allergist. In most cases, skin testing for allergens is preferable to blood tests. Click to read more about Allergy Prick Skin Testing and Allergy Intradermal Skin Testing.
Knowing if you are allergic, and to what, can help you take appropriate measures in your home to decrease exposure to these allergens. Although many of the measures are important for the entire home, your bedroom is the most important room in the house because that is where you usually spend 1/3 to 1/2 of your time.
Devices for Allergy Control
-
Air Filtration Systems:
First line measures are described in the links above for specific allergies. Once the first line actions are taken, air filtration systems can aid some people by decreasing exposure to allergens. The air filtration system must be carefully selected and properly maintained. Purchase such equipment only if your doctor advises that the benefits will be worth the expense.
-
Air Conditioning:
Central or room air conditioning may reduce the number of airborne allergens by making it easier to keep windows and doors closed in hot weather. This may be helpful for people with pollen and outdoor mold allergies. Central air conditioning also has the benefit of lowering the humidity within the home. This is helpful in controlling mold and house dust mites.
-
Humidifiers, Vaporizers and Evaporative (Swamp) Coolers:
The use of humidifiers, vaporizers and evaporative coolers are not recommended in the homes of people with asthma. All three increase the humidity level in the home creating an ideal environment for house dust mites and mold growth. If you must use any of these devices, clean them regularly.
Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy)
If you are allergic, actions to avoid exposure are recommended whenever possible. This can be difficult if you are allergic to pollens, molds and dust mites. Allergy medications, including prescription nasal sprays and antihistamines, can help control symptoms.
If actions to avoid exposure and medications are not effective, your doctor might consider allergy shots. Allergy shots have been shown to reduce symptoms associated with pollens, certain molds, dust mites and cat dander.
Allergy shots consist of a series of shots with solutions containing the allergens. The objective is to reduce your sensitivity, which decreases symptoms. Treatment usually begins with shots of a weak solution given once or twice a week, with the strength gradually increasing. When the strongest dosage is reached, the shots are usually given on a monthly basis.
Allergy shots do not produce immediate results. A period of six months to one year may be required before improvement is seen. A normal course of treatment for the shots is three to five years, although some people with asthma may benefit from a longer course. Not everyone responds well to this treatment.
Food Allergies
Food allergies rarely make asthma worse. Common food allergies include nuts, eggs, milk, seafood and peanuts. Food allergies are more common in children ages five and under. If you suspect that certain foods are causing problems, they can be removed from your diet. However, it is very important that diet changes be made only when there is strong evidence that these foods are causing problems. If food allergies are a concern, consider an evaluation by a board certified allergist. This specialist can correlate the information from a detailed diet history, allergy (skin) testing and food challenges, if needed. Because it is possible for a person to have a positive skin test to food even though it is not playing a role in causing symptoms, radical changes in diet should not be made based on skin testing alone.
This information has been approved by David Tinkelman, M.D. (February 2006).
