Healthy Life
Asthma is estimated to affect one in five South African schoolchildren and up to one in ten adults.
What is the reference? With allergies becoming increasingly common, it’s vital to understand the link between asthma and allergies.
Allergies
Allergies are the immune system’s hypersensitive (or inappropriate) response to generally harmless substances (allergens) it encounters, either through direct contact, breathing in or ingestion (eating).
An allergen is any substance that causes an adverse immune or allergic (hypersensitivity) reaction.
Common allergens include:
- Pollen
- dust
- animal dander (skin flakes)
- dust mites
- mould ?mold
- food
- medication
- insect bites/stings
Many allergens are harmless and won’t cause reactions in people who are not allergic. In those with allergies, however, their immune system will react to the allergen as if it were foreign and harmful and try to protect the body from the substance by releasing histamines (explain what histamines are). The release of the histamine then causes all the classic symptoms of an allergic reaction.
Allergic reactions
These depend on the allergen and how sensitive the person is to the allergen. Reactions can range from mild to severe, and even life-threatening in some cases.
Common symptoms of allergic reactions include:
- Sneezing
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy eyes, nose or roof of the mouth
- Red, swollen, watery eyes
- Hives
- Swelling of the mucous (mucosal) tissues
- Coughing or wheezing
Anaphylaxis is a more serious allergic reaction that can be life-threatening. Symptoms usually occur within minutes of exposure to an allergen but can take up to 30–60 minutes. These reactions involve more than one system in the body and may include:
- Low blood pressure
- Hoarse voice and difficulty speaking
- Swelling of the tongue or throat
- Wheezing and trouble breathing
- Inability to swallow
- Swelling of other parts of the body
- A weak and rapid pulse
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea
- Dizziness or fainting
- Skin reactions such as hives and itching and flushed or pale skin.
Is asthma related to allergies?
Allergies and asthma often occur together, along with eczema (explain), as they’re all common presentations of atopy – a syndrome characterised by a heightened immune response to common allergens.
Therefore, the same allergens that precipitate an allergy in people may also cause an asthma attack in others. It’s also important to understand that asthma can be identified as allergic and non-allergic. Allergic (allergy-induced) asthma is more common among children and responds well to conventional treatment.
Adult-onset asthma is often of the non-allergic variety and is linked to other chronic conditions like rhinosinusitis (a common disorder related to inflammation of your nasal passages and sinus cavities) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD). GORD is a digestive disorder that affects your lower oesophageal sphincter, the ring of muscle between your oesophagus and stomach. Non-allergic triggers may vary from infections and exercise to changes in weather or your emotional state.
Preventing allergy-related asthma
There are ways to prevent asthma caused by allergies:
- Know your allergy triggers by taking an allergy test.
- Stick to the asthma action plan your healthcare provider will have given you and take the long-term controller medicines (preventers) and relievers.
- Dust and vacuum at home to get rid of dust, pollen, and pet dander.
- Wash your sheets and blankets in hot water, weekly.
- Get any mold in your home cleaned up; look in the dark and hard-to-reach places too.
- Have an annual flu shot. Check with your doctor first if you’re allergic to eggs, as most flu shots are manufactured using egg-based technology.
What happens during an asthma attack?
Your airways tighten, swell up, or fill with mucus and symptoms worsen suddenly. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, pain, pressure, and shortness of breath or trouble breathing. Symptoms differ from case to case, but in the event of a suspected asthma attack, follow the guidelines laid out in your prescribed asthma action plan. In very severe cases, you may need to be hospitalised for more advanced treatment). In a situation like this, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.