|SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Medical Center|
Do Allergies Cause Asthma?
Do allergies cause asthma? The answer to that question is: yes and no.
People who have certain kinds of allergies are more likely to have asthma. Which kind of allergies? Usually, the kind that affect the nose and eyes, causing problems like a runny nose or red, itchy eyes.
Whatever causes an allergic reaction — like pollen — can also trigger asthma symptoms in some people. But not everyone who has allergies develops asthma. And not all cases of asthma are related to allergies.
Lots of people with asthma find it gets worse when they're around the things that give them an allergic reaction (called allergens). Common allergens include dust mites, mold, pollen, and animal dander.
If you have allergies, your immune system reacts to an allergen like it's an unwanted invader. To fight it off, the immune system produces an antibody called immunoglobulin E (IgE).
When the IgE combines with the allergen, it starts a process to release substances designed to protect the body. One of these is histamine. Histamine causes allergic reactions that can affect the eyes, nose, throat, skin, and lungs.
When the airways in the lungs are affected, it can bring on symptoms of asthma (like coughing, wheezing, or difficulty breathing).
The body remembers this reaction. Each time the allergen comes into contact with the body, the same thing can happen. Because of that, allergies can make it difficult for some people to keep their asthma under control.
If you have asthma, it's a good idea to find out if allergies may be causing problems for you. See your doctor. He or she may suggest a visit to an allergist to help you find out if you're allergic to anything.
Even if you are allergic to something — or a whole list of things — it doesn't mean that those allergies are causing your asthma symptoms. But it does allow you and your doctor to start looking into the connection.
Limiting your exposure to possible allergens may be a big help in controlling your asthma. If you can't completely limit your exposure to something you're allergic to, your doctor may recommend medicine or allergy shots.
Reviewed by: Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD