Allergens Affect Asthma

Asthma and allergies often travel together. Allergies can often trigger asthma symptoms. Common allergens include house dust mites, animal dander, molds, pollen, and cockroach droppings Allergist can I.D. what you are allergic to and recommend ways to avoid exposure to your triggers.

Asthma is a long lasting and chronic disease of the lungs and airways better known was bronchi. Asthma affects 5 people in every 100. This figure is higher in children and the number continues to rise. Characteristics of Asthma include breathlessness, tight chest, wheezing and coughing. Airways often become narrowed and inflamed While some that suffer from asthma have all these symptoms others may not have many and even fewer between attacks

Asthma can start appearing at any age. Individuals with asthma have airways that are more sensitive than normal. Asthma can run in families but does not always There are many different things that can set off Asthma attacks these are called triggers. Some common triggers are cold air, vigorous exercise and stress. Many allergens are also triggers and may include chemicals that trigger allergic reactions. Common allergens include pollen, animal dander, house dust, pollution, foods, perfumes and cigarette smoke.

Allergens effect asthma by causing the lining of the airway to become swollen and inflamed. This causes the airway to produce extra mucus and the muscles of the airway tighten as there is less room for air to pass through both in and out.  In addition, more attacks are common when chest infections are present.