Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms and Treatment

The sniffling and sneezing many of us experience in the spring can be miserable, but other potential allergy triggers, such as dust, food and medications, can affect people all year long.

Asthma, a chronic lung disease that leads to difficulty breathing, can be triggered by allergies, as well as stress, infections and airborne irritants.

Both allergies and asthma can occur at any phase of life. Although they can't be cured, proper management allows you to control symptoms and minimize their effects on your quality of life.

A board-certified primary care provider at Beaufort Memorial can help you manage your asthma and/or allergies. Find a primary care provider accepting new patients.

Common Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system attacks harmless substances. Below is a list of common allergy triggers, although many other substances can cause an allergic reaction.

• Outdoor, or seasonal, allergies occur when mold spores and pollen from weeds, grasses and trees are abundant.
• Indoor allergies can be caused by a number of substances, with common indoor allergy triggers including pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches and mold.
• Food allergies are most commonly caused by eggs, milk, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, wheat and soy but can occur with any food.
• Medication allergies can occur after taking a number of medications, including penicillin, antibiotics that contain sulfonamides and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory pain relievers.
• Insect allergies are typically caused by biting insects, such as mosquitoes, fire ants and fleas, and stinging insects, such as bees and wasps.

Other irritants, including personal care products, cigarette smoke and cleaning products can be allergenic, as well.

Allergy symptoms vary depending on the particular trigger but can include:

• Allergic asthma
• Cough
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Itching in the eyes, mouth or skin
• Nasal congestion
• Rashes, such as dermatitis, eczema and hives
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Wheezing

Hay fever, a common name for allergic rhinitis, is a combination of the above symptoms that affect the nose. It often accompanies seasonal and indoor allergies but does not lead to fever, nor is it caused by exposure to hay.

In severe cases, allergies can lead to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis. This whole-body allergic reaction can cause a rapidly developing rash, difficulty breathing and loss of consciousness. It requires emergency medical attention.

Asthma Attack Symptoms

Asthma attacks occur when airways are swollen and inflamed and breathing muscles tighten. This can happen after exposure to any substance that triggers an asthma attack, such as allergies, stress, respiratory infections, exercise, exposure to tobacco smoke and other pollutants, and dry, cold air. Symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Chest tightness
• Trouble breathing
• Wheezing

Asthma and Allergy Treatment

For both asthma and allergies, one of the best things you can do is identify your triggers so you can avoid them.

Allergy treatments will vary based on the cause of the allergen. Mild symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants and nasal sprays. Allergy shots and prescription tablets can provide relief to people for whom allergies have a significant impact on daily life.

For asthma, treatment often requires two types of medication: a long-acting medicine to take every day and a rescue medication to use in case of an attack. To ensure you are taking the right medication, speak with your primary care provider about creating an asthma action plan.