Allergies and Asthma - Trouble Times Two

2008-11-06 15:22:44

( Pharmeceutical-Medical )



Allergy is a disorder of the immune system often also referred to as atopy. Allergic reactions occur to environmental substances known as allergens; these reactions are acquired, predictable and rapid. Strictly, allergy is one of four forms of hypersensitivity and is called type I (or immediate) hypersensitivity. It is characterized by excessive activation of certain white blood cells called mast cells and basophils by a type of antibody known as IgE, resulting in an extreme inflammatory response. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma, food allergies, and reactions to the venom of stinging insects such as wasps and bees.

Allergies can play a major role in conditions such as asthma. Allergies and asthma often occur together and allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma in the United States. If you have both allergies and asthma, the same substances that trigger your allergy symptoms can also inflame your airways, leading to asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing and chest tightness.

An allergic response acts on the lining of the nose and the lining of the airways in the same way. When antibodies in your blood are exposed to an allergy-causing substance or allergen, symptoms occur. These antibodies can trigger allergy symptoms like nasal congestion, scratchy eyes or a skin reaction and for many, inflammation of the airways associated with asthma.

The best way to treat allergies is to prevent them - stay away from the things that you are allergic to. If you have allergic asthma, avoiding the allergic substances that trigger your symptoms can reduce asthma and in some cases, control it completely. Some allergy treatments can reduce asthma symptoms. Some medications work for both allergies and asthma, but may be taken differently. Certain other medications are clearly more effective for one condition over another.

Recognizing the relationship between the body's immune system and how the airways react has led to improved treatment of asthma symptoms for many people. If you have bothersome allergy and asthma symptoms, consult your doctor about treatment.


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