Managing Allergies and Asthma

In 1984, the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) declared May to be “National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.”

With May being peak season for both allergies and asthma, it’s an opportune time to discuss the conditions that affect more than 75 million Americans.

Allergens

Allergies are a hypersensitive immune response to allergens in the environment. And if you’ve ever suffered from seasonal or recurring allergies, you know how unpleasant the experience is. Allergens can cause a variety of annoying symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes and throat, a runny nose, skin rashes or hives, and asthma.

The most common allergens include:

• Pollen
• Mold
• Dust mites
• Pet dander
• Insect stings
• Latex
• Certain foods or medications

Controlling allergies  

If your allergies interfere with your daily life, medication or frequent allergy shots can help. However, there are home remedies that may bring you some relief.

Home remedies to try for your allergies include:  

• Sea salt nasal spray

Using saline nasal irrigation has proven to be an effective way to help clear nasal ways for children and adults. Frequent (non-medicated) nasal spray can help keep your passageways open, improving breathing and reducing nasal symptoms.

• Using HEPA filters inside the home

HEPA, or high-efficiency particulate air filters, traps pollen, hair, dust, and other airborne irritants inside your home. This helps reduce the number of allergens you’re exposed to, lessening your reactions.

• Locally produced honey

Although there isn’t scientific evidence to support this claim, many people swear by eating local honey during allergy season. In theory, since the bees collect pollen in your area to make their honey, eating it will lessen your response to the pollen by getting your body acclimated to it.

• Dehumidifiers

Similar to HEPA filters, dehumidifiers dry out the air in your home. This helps keep allergens like mold, mildew, and dust mites at bay and your living space feeling fresh and clean.

• Probiotics

An analysis of 23 studies was published in 2015, which indicated the benefits of taking probiotics for easing allergy symptoms and improving quality of life.

• Acupuncture

Again in 2015, a review of 13 different studies found that acupuncture produced positive results against allergies by modulating the immune system.  

Do not use at-home remedies if your allergic reactions are severe or cause anaphylaxis.

Signs of anaphylactic shock include:

• Trouble breathing
• Fainting
• Rash
• Vomiting
• Tightness in lungs
• Chest pains
• Dizziness
• Changes in blood pressure

If you or a loved one experiences anaphylaxis, come see us immediately, or visit any emergency room for an Epinephrine injection. And if your allergic responses are serious, consult with your healthcare provider about getting an EpiPen to carry with you.

Asthma Triggers

Asthma and allergies often go hand-in-hand, and there are several types of asthma, including allergic asthma, which is triggered by allergens in the air like mold or pollen.

Asthma is a condition in which someone’s airways become inflamed, swollen, and narrow, causing them to produce extra mucus. This reaction blocks their airways and makes it difficult to breathe correctly.

Five common symptoms of asthma can include:

1. Coughing (sometimes worse at night)
2. Wheezing
3. Shortness of breath
4. Fast breathing
5. Chest tightness, pain, or pressure

In addition to asthma symptoms, when you encounter an allergy trigger, you may experience swelling, sneezing, and a runny nose.

Common asthma triggers include:

• Tobacco smoke
• Smoke from burning wood or grass
• Dust mites
• Outdoor air pollution
• Mold
• Pets

Triggers can vary from person to person, so it’s best to learn your triggers and try to avoid them the best you can.  

If the severity of your symptoms gets worse, it can cause an asthma attack. Asthma attacks can either come on suddenly or sneak up slowly, and severe asthma attacks require medical attention as soon as possible.

Click here to read about asthma attack warning signs, and create an asthma action plan here.

Treatment

According to AAFA, 25 million people in the US have asthma and 50 million people in the US experience allergies. If you or someone you love suffer from allergies or asthma, is it under control?

Do you or your loved one experience the following scenarios because of allergies or asthma?

1. Miss work or school
2. Lose out on events or special activities
3. Occasionally go to the emergency room
4. Awaken at night more than two times a month
5. Take your “quick-relief inhaler” more than two times a week, or refill your “quick-relief inhaler” more than two times a year

If you answered “yes” to any of the questions above, your allergies or asthma are not under control, and you should contact your healthcare provider about treatment. Treating your symptoms can improve your day-to-day life drastically!

If you or a loved one experiences an allergic reaction or asthma attack, we’re here to help. Our team of highly trained physicians are equipped to treat any type of medical emergency, and we stay open 24/7, 365 days a year.

For more information, resources, or helpful tips, visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America website. And share this article to help spread the word for National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month!

Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Topeka ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinicians.