Allergy and Asthma Connection

Posted on: 10/16/2008

The Allergy and Asthma Connection
by Albert S. Hartel, M.D.

Spring is coming, and for 40-50 million Americans, so are allergies.  Allergic diseases, such as hay fever, sinus inflammation, and allergic asthma, affect more than 20% of the population and are on the rise.  Asthma is much more common in people with allergies, and those suffering with allergies may treat only the nasal symptoms and not realize they may also have inflammation in the lungs.  The linings of the nose, sinuses, and the airways are similar, and are affected similarly by many of the same triggers of the allergic inflammatory process.  Asthma warning signs to look out for could include chest tightness, wheezing, cough, trouble breathing, clearing of the throat, fatigue or exercise limitation, but often evidence of lung inflammation can be found with little or no symptoms in allergic individuals.   People with unrecognized disease are not only at risk for asthma attacks and decreased quality of life, but also for long term permanent changes in the lungs if left untreated.  Even people with mild asthma can suffer a life threatening attack caused by environmental hazards.

If you have any of the warning symptoms, a thorough history and a simple breathing test can help determine if you have evidence of asthma or are at risk.   An important part of an allergy evaluation should be screening for underlying breathing difficulties, which are often not apparent.   An Allergist/Immunologist specializes in treating both allergies and asthma, and can help determine your risk and the best way to monitor and treat your problems.  Ninety percent of children who have asthma have allergic triggers, and testing and removing these can often dramatically improve symptoms.   People with all levels of lung involvement will require close monitoring, and there are a variety of different methods to help bring the inflammation under control.  Asthma management needs to be individualized; the key to treatment is to reduce personal triggers, and to find the optimal medication at the smallest amount necessary to control inflammation and symptoms, without side effects.  With earlier detection, asthma is easier to bring under control, improving quality of life, and reducing the chances of developing more severe problems down the road.  For asthma sufferers, complete control of asthma is not only possible, but should be expected.

copied from:  www.aair.info

 

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