If you have allergic asthma, then the respiratory tract is hypersensitive to certain allergens. As soon as the allergen enters the airways, the immune system begins to react.
The muscle tissue surrounding the airways is greatly reduced (this process is called bronchospasm).
And the airways are inflamed and filled with thick mucus.
Whether allergic or non-allergic asthma, the symptoms are almost the same:
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Cough
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Wheezing
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Dyspnea
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Rapid breathing
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Feeling of tightness in the chest
Common allergens
Allergens that are small enough to get into the lungs:
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Pollen from trees, grass and flowers
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Mold spores or fragments thereof
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Particles of wool, leather or feathers, as well as animal saliva
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Dust Mite Excrement
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Excrement cockroaches
An allergic reaction can occur even if you scratch the allergenic substance (causes itching and redness of the skin), the allergen gets into the eyes (causes itching and redness of the eyes) and inside (if you accidentally swallow it), which in some cases can be a potential threat to life – cause anaphylactic shock (including life-threatening asthma attacks).
Remember: allergens are not the only things that cause allergic asthma. Irritants can trigger an asthma attack, although they do not cause an allergic reaction. Inhaled along with oxygen irritants can also cause an attack.
Irritants include:
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Tobacco smoke
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The smoke from the fireplace, candles, incense or fireworks
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Contaminated air
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Cold air, especially exercise in cold air
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Strong chemical odors or fumes
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Perfums, air fresheners and other flavored products
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Dusty workplace
The doctor may recommend testing for allergies and asthma, which will accurately determine which allergens, external or domestic, cause an asthma attack.
The two most common (and recommended) tests
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skin test, by contacting a small amount of allergen with the skin (after 20 minutes, the size of the redness or blisters on the skin is measured);
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blood test (radioallergosorbent test or determination of the level of immunoglobulin E).
Control of the environment and allergic asthma
The main task in managing allergic asthma is to limit contact with allergens.
Here are some tips on how to do this:
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During the period of rapid flowering is better to stay home (if possible). Windows should be closed. Do not use evaporative cooler. If it is hot, you can use the air conditioner with a clean filter. You should not use old air conditioners with a musty smell, or covered with mold.
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Dust mites live in fabrics and carpeting, but they are so small that it is simply impossible to see them with the naked eye. Therefore, pack pillows, mattresses and spring mesh beds in hypoallergenic zipper covers. Once a week you need to wash bed linen in very hot water. If possible, get rid of wall hangings. Also get rid of all dust collectors, such as heavy curtains, upholstered furniture and a heap of piled clothing. If your child has allergic asthma, do not keep soft toys at home or try to buy only washable ones.
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. About 90% of children and 50% of adults have an allergy to anything. Inhaled specific substances called allergens (allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold) exacerbate the symptoms of asthma, which in this case is called allergic asthma. Almost every second asthmatic (with allergic and non-allergic asthma) feels worse after exercising in cold air or breathing in smoke, dust or strong odors.
Since allergens are present everywhere, therefore, people suffering from allergic asthma, it is important to identify their allergies and their pathogens and learn to prevent the exacerbation of asthma symptoms.
What is an allergy?
The main task of the immune system is to protect the body from bacteria and viruses. However, in people with allergies, the immune system E immunoglobulin is too sensitive. He can begin to fight completely harmless substances, such as cat’s hair or pollen, as if it were dangerous viruses, and attack them (in the nose, lungs, eyes, and under the skin).
When the body encounters allergens, it creates special cells called immunoglobulin antibodies E. These protective cells also cause an allergic reaction. They trigger the release of substances such as histamine, which causes inflammation and swelling. When the body tries to resist allergens, what is called allergy symptoms, such as a runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, appears.
