The Connection Between Allergies and Asthma: What You Need to Know

Merriam-Webster defines an allergy as an “exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (sneezing, a runny nose, difficulty breathing, itching, skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states.” People can be allergic to insect bites, foods, pollen, dust mites, pet dander, plants, mold, and chemicals in skincare products. There are rarer allergies too, such as allergies to the UV rays in sunlight.

Compare that to asthma which is “a chronic lung disorder that is marked by recurring episodes of airway obstruction…that is triggered by hyperreactivity to various stimuli. With asthma, the airway becomes inflamed and can close up, which makes it hard to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by exposure to an allergen, but it can also be triggered by changes in air quality or temperature. Stress can worsen asthma.

People can have allergies without asthma. But, there are people whose allergies are severe enough to trigger asthma attacks.

The Connection Between Allergies and Asthma

One in 3 adults and 1 in 4 children have allergies in the U.S. In adults, 25.7% have seasonal allergies, 7.3% have eczema, and 6.2% have food allergies. For children, those percentages are 18.9% for seasonal allergies, 10.8% for eczema, and 5.8% for food allergies. Here are a few other facts.

• Boys are more likely to have seasonal allergies than girls.
• Women are more likely to have allergic eczema than men.
• Food allergies increased by 50% between 2007 and 2021. A health insurance study found that peanut allergies in one-year-old children tripled between 1997 and 2008.
• In any age group, Black, non-Hispanics are more likely to have food allergies than any other race, followed by Hispanics, White (non-Hispanics), and Asians.

Asthma rates are increasing. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America estimates that 27 million Americans have asthma. Over 100 million people have allergies. About 20 million have about 3 out of 5 asthma sufferers. Here are some alarming facts about asthma.

• 8.8% of Californian adults have asthma, and it caused 352 deaths in 2021.
• 55% of people with asthma do not have their symptoms controlled.
• Only 31% of the people with asthma have a doctor-recommended asthma treatment plan.
• In children, males are more likely to have asthma than females, but the opposite is true in adults, and testosterone levels are believed to be the reason why.

It’s hard to know exact numbers as some people don’t tell their doctor about their problems or aren’t taken seriously. Without allergy tests and lung function tests, it’s impossible to know exactly how many have allergy-induced asthma. In one study, it was discovered that 8 out of 10 Americans didn’t realize that allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma.

How do you know if you have allergies or allergic asthma? Where does an allergy cross into asthma? Both of them are tied to inflammation.

What Are the Symptoms to Look For?

The typical symptoms someone with allergies experiences are itchy eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. However, this does depend on the allergen. Skin rashes and hives are common with an allergy to chemicals or plants. People with food allergies might encounter itching lips, a tingling tongue, and swelling in the throat, which can be deadly if not immediately treated. 

Asthma differs as it is a chronic lung condition where the airways develop inflammation that causes them to swell and mucus production increases, which cuts off airflow to the lungs. The symptoms of asthma include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. 

The two can cross when an allergy triggers an asthmatic reaction. Asthmatic allergies are allergies that trigger asthma attacks. The most common asthmatic allergens include cockroaches, dust mites, mold, pet dander, and pollen.

See a Doctor for a Proper Diagnosis

It’s incredibly important to get evaluated by a doctor specializing in Allergy and Immunology. You need to have a professional evaluation and allergy testing to determine what you are allergic to. You also should undergo a lung function test to determine if you have asthma. 

A lung function test is used to determine if you have asthma or if the current medication is working effectively. It’s done by breathing into a machine that measures the amount of air you are able to breathe in and then breathe out. A nitric oxide test (FeNO test) to measure the level of nitric oxide in your airways. When your airways are inflamed, nitric oxide is produced.

If test results using those are not conclusive, a provocation test is the next option. Under a doctor’s supervision, conditions known to trigger an asthma attack are used to view first-hand what happens to you during an asthma attack.

If you are found to have allergic asthma, the right treatment is a game-changer. You won’t remain in fear that another asthma attack is minutes, hours, or days away. 

Treatments That Help You Manage Allergies and Allergic Asthma

When possible, avoiding allergens is the best way to manage allergies or allergic asthma. If you know that pine pollen affects you, you probably don’t want to have a yard full of pines. If you can’t avoid it, try to stay inside in a room running an air purifier for the weeks when pine pollen is leaving a thick coating on everything outside.

Over-the counter antihistamines that block your body’s reaction to allergies would be the next option. Make sure you don’t have a condition like high blood pressure that requires you to avoid certain medications. Also, remember that antihistamines can have side effects like drowsiness. Don’t use allergy pills and get behind the wheel or go outside to mow the lawn if you’re going to struggle to stay awake.

If you have asthma that’s triggered by allergens, make sure you have an inhaler filled and ready to use in emergencies. Don’t try to tough it out.

It’s important to work with an allergy doctor at Premium Allergy & Respiratory Center to find the right treatment for allergies or allergic asthma. You don’t have to suffer. If over-the-counter allergies are not working effectively, there are prescription medications and allergy shots that make a big difference. 

Not fond of needles? Ask Dr. Sabry about newer allergy treatments like SLIT. SLIT is a sublingual allergy treatment where you place an allergen drop or tablet under your tongue. After the initial doses that are administered in a medical clinic, once your doctor has the correct dosage, you can complete the treatment at home.