Allergic asthma affects about 60% of all asthma sufferers today. If you have asthma symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness, there’s a good chance that the underlying cause is a treatable allergy. At Allergy Associates & Asthma, Ltd., asthma specialists Suresh Anand, MD, FACP, FCCP, and Miriam Anand, MD, FACAAI, FAAAAI, perform comprehensive diagnostics and deliver highly effective treatments at their three locations in Tempe, Mesa, and Chandler, Arizona. Call the office nearest you or click the online scheduler for an appointment.
Allergic asthma, sometimes called extrinsic asthma, is the most common form of the disease. With allergic asthma, your breathing problems and other symptoms are triggered by an allergen.
Allergens are substances that your immune system perceives as a threat to your health, even though the substances aren’t actually harmful.
Your body makes a self-defense substance, immunoglobulin E, that causes histamine to be released and lung passages to swell. The swelling leads to breathing problems and other symptoms of asthma.
Allergic asthma can cause symptoms that include:
An allergic asthma attack happens suddenly, and it looks and feels like a nonallergic asthma attack. Although the symptoms are the same, allergic asthma is its own condition and requires tailored treatment.
There are many possible triggers of allergic asthma, with common ones including:
In some cases, allergic asthma triggers are more prevalent at certain times of the year. For example, pollen is particularly pervasive in the spring and summer months, so you might experience more allergic asthma attacks during that time.
At Allergy Associates & Asthma, Ltd., the team starts with a full assessment of your condition and needs. Your provider asks about your symptoms, when the symptoms occur, the severity of your breathing issues, and other specific information to start the diagnostic process.
You typically undergo breathing tests, lung X-rays, and blood or skin testing to determine your type of asthma and allergens. The team can then prescribe treatment to eliminate allergens, reduce your reaction to them, and diminish or stop your asthma attacks.
Your treatment may include:
Changes in your environment can also help with allergic asthma. For example, the team may recommend changing your air filters, bedding, or cleaning practices at home to reduce your contact with the allergen causing your asthma.
If you have allergic asthma, you may also have chronic nasal allergies. Both are treatable conditions when you get help from the allergy and asthma experts at Allergy Associates & Asthma, Ltd. Call the office nearest you or schedule an appointment online today.