Does allergy cause asthma? (Allergic Asthma) Shall we talk about this?

Do you sometimes wonder if there's a connection between allergies and asthma? Some say that allergies cause asthma. Others say that there's no such thing. What's the real story? Let's talk about this in a little more detail and simply, shall we? Because this is a problem that many people have.

Do allergies really cause asthma?

Simply put, allergies do not cause asthma. That is, just because you have an allergy does not mean that you will definitely develop asthma. However, there is a small "but" here. If someone has allergies, or if someone in their family (such as mom, dad, siblings) has allergies, then they are slightly more likely to develop asthma than those without allergies. It is similar to the case that if someone in the family has diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus), others are also slightly more likely to develop it. Another important thing is that if someone already has asthma, if they get an allergy, that is, if they have an allergic reaction, it can trigger or worsen their asthma symptoms. Imagine, for example, someone who already has a mild cold, coughing more when they breathe in dust.

That means that an allergy is a trigger that can cause asthma symptoms , but not the cause of asthma itself.

Likewise, not everyone with allergies develops asthma. Also, not every asthma attack is related to allergies. There are some types of asthma that are not caused by allergies. They have other causes. Got it?

So how does an allergy worsen asthma?

Okay, now let's look at how an allergy can make someone who already has asthma worse, or trigger asthma symptoms. Many people with asthma say that their asthma gets worse when they are around things they are allergic to (aka allergens).

What are these allergens?

Allergens, simply put, are substances that cause our immune system to react inappropriately when they enter or come into contact with our bodies. While these are usually not a problem for most people, they can be a problem for people with allergies. Some of the most common types of allergens are:

• Dust Mites: These are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They are often found in our bedding, pillows, mattresses, and sofas.
• Mold : A type of mold that grows in damp places, such as walls and bathrooms.
• Pollen : Fine particles of pollen that accumulate in the air from things like trees and grasses during flowering.
• Animal dander: Small particles shed from the skin of pets (such as dogs and cats), as well as proteins found in their saliva and urine .
• Certain foods (like milk, eggs , peanuts , fish).
• Some medications .

These are the things that mainly act as allergens.

What happens when an allergen enters the body?

If you have an allergy to something, your body's defense system, that is, our `(Immune System),` thinks that allergen is harmful to the body, an unwanted invader. Imagine a stranger coming to your house. Then the people in the house get worried? That's how our body reacts when an allergen comes. So, to fight against this "invader", our defense system makes a special antibody called `(Immunoglobulin E)` or `(IgE)` for short. This `(IgE)` goes and attaches to some cells in our body. Then, due to this process, our body releases some chemicals to protect itself. One of these is `(Histamine)` . You must have heard of `(Histamine)`. When we take medicine for an allergy, we are given medicines called "antihistamines", which are designed to reduce the activity of this `(Histamine). This `(Histamine)` and other similar chemicals are what cause allergic reactions such as itchy eyes, runny nose , itchy throat, and skin rashes. The most important thing is that these chemicals can also affect the airways in our lungs. When such airways are affected, that is, when the airways become swollen and blocked, asthma symptoms begin to appear. That is:

• Coughing (especially at night, in the early morning, when laughing, or exercising)
• Wheezing (a whistling sound coming from the chest when breathing)
• Difficulty breathing
• Feeling like your chest is constricted

The important thing is that our body remembers this reaction. If the allergen comes into contact with the body again, it can have the same reaction again. This is why some people have difficulty controlling their asthma when they have allergies. It's like a computer that recognizes a virus when it comes in and reacts specifically to it the next time it comes in.

If you also have asthma, how does allergy affect you? What should you do?

Okay, now let's say you have asthma. Then let's look at how this allergy affects you and what you need to do. If you have asthma,The first thing to do is to see your doctor and talk about it. Your doctor can find out how much your allergies are affecting your asthma. Sometimes your doctor may refer you to an allergist , a doctor who specializes in allergies. An allergist can tell you for sure if you are allergic to something. There are tests for this, such as a skin prick test or a blood test. Just because you are allergic to something doesn't mean it is the allergen that is causing your asthma symptoms. However, once you know what you are allergic to, you and your doctor can better understand the relationship between your allergies and your asthma. Then, the most important thing is to avoid the things you are allergic to as much as possible.

• For example, if you are allergic to dust mites, you can do things like thoroughly vacuum your home, wash your bedding frequently in hot water, and use dust mite-resistant covers.
• If you are allergic to pollen, you can do things like wear a mask and keep the windows closed when you are outside during periods of high pollen levels.
• If you are allergic to an animal's fur, you should either remove the animal from your home, or at least keep it out of your bedroom. This is a bit sad, but you have to think about your health, right?

Sometimes you can't completely avoid things that cause allergies. If that's the case, your doctor may prescribe allergy medications (such as antihistamines or nasal sprays ) or even allergy shots. Allergy shots are a treatment that gradually exposes your body to the allergen and reduces its response.

So, what are the things we need to remember from all of this?

Okay, we've talked about a lot now. So, let's summarize the main points we need to remember from all of this?

• Allergies do not cause asthma. However, people with allergies are more likely to develop asthma, and if someone who already has asthma gets an allergy, asthma symptoms can worsen.
• If you have asthma, it's important to find out what allergens you are allergic to. This will help you avoid things that trigger your asthma.
• It is essential to see a doctor for advice. They can advise you on the best treatment and management methods for your condition.
• Controlling your allergies can go a long way in controlling your asthma symptoms, so it's important to take care of your allergies as well.
• Don't worry. Both allergies and asthma are well-managed conditions. With the right knowledge and medical advice, you can live a healthy life.

So, I hope this has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, it's definitely a good idea to talk to your doctor.

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Asthma, Allergy, Allergic Asthma, Respiratory Disease, Immunoglobulin E, IgE, Histamine, Allergens