Understanding Allergic Asthma - The Most Common Type of Asthma

Understanding the Most Common Type of Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes swelling and narrowing of the airways, making breathing difficult. There are different types of asthma, but the most common is allergic asthma or allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA). This type of asthma is triggered by exposure to allergens.

What Causes Allergic Asthma?

With allergic asthma, the immune system overreacts to substances called allergens. When inhaled, these allergens trigger an excessive immune response in the lungs, leading to airway constriction and asthma symptoms. Common asthma triggers include:

• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Pollen
• Mold
• Cockroach waste

In some cases, asthma can be triggered by respiratory infections, cold air, exercise, stress, or irritants like smoke. But with allergic asthma, allergens are the primary drivers of asthma flares.

Allergic Asthma Symptoms

The most common symptoms of allergic asthma include:

• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Coughing, especially at night or early morning

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Mild symptoms may resolve on their own or with quick-relief inhalers. More serious symptoms require emergency care to open the airways.

Diagnosing Allergic Asthma

To diagnose allergic asthma, doctors will:

• Take a medical history and ask about symptoms
• Perform a physical exam of the lungs
• Conduct breathing tests to measure lung function
• Test for allergen sensitivities using skin or blood tests

These evaluations help confirm asthma and identify potential triggers to avoid. Spirometry and peak flow meter tests can assess airway obstruction and monitor asthma control over time.

Allergic Asthma Risk Factors

Certain factors increase risk of developing allergic asthma:

• Family history of asthma or allergies
• Exposure to tobacco smoke
• Respiratory infections in childhood
• Being overweight
• Air pollution

Asthma often starts in childhood. About 80% of people with asthma develop symptoms before age 20. Allergies also tend to first appear early in life and precede asthma symptoms.

Treatment Options for Allergic Asthma

Though not curable, allergic asthma can be effectively controlled with a multifaceted treatment approach:

Avoid Triggers

Reducing exposure to known allergy and asthma triggers is key. This may involve removing carpets, using high efficiency filters, washing bedding regularly, and avoiding pets if allergic.

Allergy Medications

Oral antihistamines, nasal sprays, and allergy shots can help control allergy symptoms and reduce immune system overreaction. This relieves associated airway inflammation.

Asthma Medications

Quick-relief bronchodilator inhalers open airways quickly when needed. Inhaled corticosteroids reduce inflammation long-term. Long lasting bronchodilators may also be prescribed.

Avoid Irritants

Preventing exposure to non-allergic asthma triggers like cigarette smoke, pollution, chemicals, and cold dry air can also minimize symptoms.

Immunotherapy

Allergy shots involve injecting small doses of specific allergens to desensitize your immune system over time. This can reduce asthma flares from those allergens.

Monitoring and Managing Allergic Asthma

Effectively controlling allergic asthma requires diligence and active self-management:

Identify Triggers

Keep a symptom journal. Note activities, locations, weather, or possible trigger exposures prior to asthma flares. This helps identify patterns.

Follow Treatment Plans

Take medications as prescribed, even during symptom-free periods, to prevent attacks. Update asthma action plans with doctors regularly.

Monitor Lung Function

Use a peak flow meter at home to measure airway obstruction. sudden drops may indicate worsening asthma requiring intervention.

Control Allergies

See an allergist about allergy testing and appropriate medications or immunotherapy to lessen allergic reactions.

Maintain Healthy Lifestyle

Eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, manage stress, and get enough sleep to support immune and respiratory health.

When to Seek Emergency Care

Seek immediate medical help if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath or wheezing at rest
• Trouble speaking due to shortness of breath
• Lips or fingernails turn blue
• Peak flow meter reading drops significantly
• Chest pain or tightness

These signs indicate severely obstructed air flow requiring urgent intervention and treatment. Call emergency services or go to the ER if symptoms do not quickly improve with medication.

The Takeaway

Allergic asthma, triggered by inhaled allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and pollen, is the most prevalent type of asthma. Controlling exposure to allergens and using asthma medications as directed can help prevent asthma attacks. Maintaining lung function, managing allergies, and avoiding irritants also keeps allergic asthma in check.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.