World Asthma Day: Types Of Allergies That Can Trigger Asthma Symptoms And Treatments Available

Asthma is a condition where an individualĄ¯s immune system reacts in an exaggerated way to substances called allergens. This immune response leads to spasms or tightening of smooth muscles of airways and airways glands are overstimulated producing sputum, blocked airways, and bronchospasm.

Allergens may be biological substances from animal or plant-based, dust, pollens, and molds. They include food substances and virtually anything can act as allergens. Common allergens are a wide group of substances that are called aeroallergens.

Aeroallergens

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One of the most common types of allergies is caused by aeroallergens. In addition to a substantial number of other allergens primarily consisting of dust, pollution, fungi in the air, walls, flowers, and pollens, the pollen from plants also causes a condition known as hay fever, and these kinds of allergens are widely distributed.

The other aeroallergens include indoor and outdoor pollution. the common triggers are:

1. Dust

2. Pollution

3. Consumption of Tobacco

4. Weather

In addition to these, asthma can also be brought on by alterations in the environment, temperature fluctuations, physical exercise, and intense emotions.

Treatment options for Asthma

The treatment for allergies depends on the type and severity of the allergy. It is essential to avoid exposure to any allergens. However, it is essential to know how to avoid exposure to avoid asthma triggers. Hence, individuals need to remember a few things that can help them avoid allergies that trigger asthma:

Checking the pollen count

The pollen count that is aired on radio or television should be sought out by people. Additionally, Google can provide them with details on the pollen count in that specific city. Also available to them are national newspapers, where they can obtain the information.

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Checking the weather forecast

Examining the weather forecast for the location where one is traveling is another crucial step that can help one avoid asthma triggers caused by allergies. If it's chilly or windy outside, they need to be adequately protected. To prevent asthma exacerbation, wearing a mask and warm clothes might be helpful. It's also very vital to have an umbrella with you when it rains. Thus, avoiding allergens can be made possible by taking precautions against extreme weather.

Checking indoor pollution

The prevention of asthma can be greatly aided by choosing to reside in less polluted areas and choosing areas where humidity is more. All forms of indoor smoking need to be curbed. Any wall that is damp and has mold growing on it has to be cleaned while you are away.

You should avoid making the bed and changing bedspreads by yourself. It is better if you can delegate that work to some other family member or domestic help. You could also use hypo-allergic material or non-fur material for the bedspread every single day to ensure that adequate sunlight falls over the bedspread under the mattress.

Wet mopping is preferable to dry mopping.

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If you have any hobby that involves plucking flowers, gardening, or other things, you must wear a mask, and wash your hands before and after doing horticultural activities.

Pets are a major cause of asthma triggers, particularly cats. Compared to other animals, such as dogs, they produce a greater quantity of allergens. Therefore, if you are considering getting a pet, you should think twice because it raises the likelihood of frequent asthma attacks.

In the event that these allergens are found, there is also a specific desensitization treatment. Subcutaneous injectable immunotherapy or sublingual immunotherapy may be used in certain cases. Immunotherapy, on the other hand, necessitates that patients attend their appointments as scheduled, and it may take years of desensitization techniques before a patient experiences relief. Eliminating allergies is crucial. In addition to a good number of inhaler options, there is a new approach to biological therapy for appropriate patients. Additionally, it's crucial to collaborate with your doctor to come up with the best allergy management strategy.

Takeaway

Allergies trigger asthma symptoms, and it is essential to manage them effectively to prevent complications. Environmental allergies, food allergies, and drug allergies are some of the common types that can trigger asthma symptoms. Consulting with your doctor to develop a comprehensive treatment plan is crucial for managing allergies and asthma effectively. With proper management, people with allergies and asthma can lead a healthy and active life.

About the author: Dr. Satyanarayana Mysore is the HOD and Consultant ¨C Pulmonology, Lung Transplant Physician, Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. All views/opinions expressed in the article are of the author.