Allergies and Asthma

Allergies and asthma are two conditions that can sometimes be linked. In this article, we will explore their interaction. We will also talk about the different triggers and how allergic asthma can be managed and treated.

Are you embarking on a path to understanding allergies and asthma? Why not start by scheduling a consultation with Pediatric Associates of Austin? Our experienced team of providers in Austin, Texas, is here to offer personalized guidance and support tailored to your child’s needs. Let’s work together towards better health. Reach out to us today to begin your journey!

Understanding Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies are caused by triggers found in the environment. These triggers (called allergens) are substances that cause allergic reactions. The immune system reacts to these allergens to get rid of the allergen from the body.

As the immune system detects allergens, it produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). These antibodies cause certain cells to release chemicals into the bloodstream, where they are carried to where the allergens are detected. One such chemical is histamine.

Histamine is the cause of many allergic responses seen in the nose, eyes, skin, throat, and lungs. The response can include a runny nose and watery eyes.

The reason why your child may be affected by seasonal allergies is not fully known; however it is thought to have a genetic reason. Therefore, seasonal allergies can run in the family. This does not necessarily mean that everyone in the family will be allergic to the same thing.

Navigating Childhood Asthma

Asthma is a chronic condition in which the lungs are sensitive to allergens. When the airways become exposed to allergens, the lungs can respond in three ways: Inflammation occurs in the airways, the muscles around the airways contract, and excess mucus is produced. This response makes it difficult to breathe.

Despite asthma being a chronic condition, the condition can be controlled with proper management and treatment. Children can usually have an active lifestyle without any restrictions.

Can Allergies Trigger Asthma?

When the airways are affected by allergens, it can trigger asthma symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, or difficulty breathing. As the IgE antibodies can stay in the bloodstream for a long time, the asthma symptoms can come back quickly. This can make it very difficult for some people to keep their asthma under control.

What is Allergic Asthma?

When asthma is triggered by allergens, it is called allergic asthma. Your body responds to the allergen, believing it to be a threat. To fight off this perceived danger, your immune system will release chemicals that cause inflammation and tighten your airways. It is this response that causes asthma attacks.

Allergens that can cause asthma are often found in the air and can include pollen, pet dander, dust mites, or mold spores.

What Are Some Allergic Asthma Triggers?

Allergic asthma triggers are all around us. They can be found in the house or outside. Understanding what can trigger allergic asthma symptoms can help manage the condition.

Some of the possible allergic-asthma allergens include the following:

• Pets or animals: The fur, urine, saliva, or pet dander (flakes of their skin) of animals or pets can all cause allergic reactions.
• Pollen: Pollen is a fine powder produced by grass, trees, weeds, and ragweed. Your child may be more affected by grass and tree pollen in the spring. Ragweed and weeds tend to affect children in the fall.
• Mold: Mold thrives in damp environments such as basements. It is also found outdoors during warm or humid weather, after mulching, or following rainfall. Mold produces spores that can become airborne and trigger asthma symptoms.
• Dust mites: Dust mites like to live on soft surfaces in homes, including upholstered furniture, pillows, mattresses, and carpets. These microscopic organisms feed on human skin cells. Both the mites themselves and their feces are known allergens.
• Cockroaches: Cockroaches are common pests found in many households and older buildings. Substances such as cockroach feces, saliva, and body parts can act as asthma triggers.

While food allergies can be considered a trigger, there is usually another trigger involved that causes allergic asthma symptoms.

Allergic Asthma Symptoms

Allergic asthma has many of the same symptoms as other types of asthma. Allergic asthma symptoms can include the following:

• Shortness of breath.
• Frequent coughing, particularly at night.
• Wheezing, characterized by a whistling sound during breathing.
• The sensation of chest tightness, often described as feeling pressure on the chest.

Your child may also experience the following symptoms as a response to the allergens:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Irritated or watery eyes
• Skin rash or hives

When to Contact Your Provider

If your child is suffering from asthma, then contact their doctor to discuss how the symptoms can be managed and treated. The pediatric doctors at Pediatric Associates of Austin can help you determine what allergens are affecting your child and find the best way of treating them.

When to Take Your Child to the Emergency Room

If your child is having a severe asthma attack and does not have an inhaler or their symptoms are not improving despite using an inhaler, go to the emergency department or call 911. An allergic reaction can be life-threatening if your child goes into anaphylaxis.

Allergic Asthma Treatment

At Pediatric Associates of Austin, our doctors will work with you and your child to treat both their allergies and their asthma. Treatments can be given for asthma, just the allergies, or for both the allergies and the asthma.

Medications that can treat asthma caused by allergens include the following:

• Leukotriene modifiers: This group of medications can treat both allergies and asthma. Montelukast (Singulair®) is a common leukotriene modifier.
• Allergy shots: This is also known as immunotherapy. Allergy shots help reduce your immune response towards an allergen. These shots expose the immune system to the allergen, allowing the body to build up a tolerance over time.
• Rescue inhalers: These open up your airways, allowing you to breathe better. They offer fast relief for when your child’s symptoms are making it difficult for them to breathe.
• Antihistamines: These can be given to reduce allergy symptoms like watery eyes or itching skin. You may be given antihistamines as part of your treatment plan.
• Corticosteroids: These medications can be given orally or they can be inhaled. They help reduce asthma symptoms by reducing the inflammation.
• Biologics: This treatment is where your doctor injects small proteins into your body. These proteins help treat the underlying cause of asthma.

How to Avoid Triggers

Avoiding allergen triggers is an effective way to reduce the risk of an allergic asthma attack. At Pediatric Associates of Austin, our doctors can help you and your child discover what allergens are triggering their asthma. Once you know what is triggering their asthma, you can work to help them avoid that trigger.

The following steps can be taken to avoid common triggers:

1. Regularly clean your house. Mopping and dusting can reduce dust. Also, wash your bedding and pillows in hot water every week.
2. Use dust and allergen-resistant sheets and pillowcases on your bed to minimize exposure to allergens while sleeping.
3. Close both house and car windows during peak pollen seasons to reduce pollen levels inside. Additionally, you could consider avoiding outdoor activities during times of high pollen counts, or wearing protective gear such as glasses, face masks, or other appropriate equipment.
4. Install high-quality filters in your home air conditioning units or consider using an air purifier to help remove allergens from indoor air.
5. Establish an asthma action plan to effectively manage symptoms. This plan should outline when to take specific medications, steps to take if medications fail to provide relief, and whom to contact in case of emergencies. Ensure the plan includes instructions for managing asthma attacks.

Schedule an Appointment Today

Are you ready to tackle allergies and asthma with expert guidance? Schedule an appointment with Pediatric Associates of Austin and let our compassionate team support you on your journey to better health. Your child’s well-being is our priority. Book your consultation at our office in Austin, Texas, today!