Do you also have allergic asthma? (Allergic Asthma) Let's find out exactly about this!

Do you sometimes find it hard to breathe? Do you suddenly feel a tightness in your chest and start coughing when you touch a little dust or pet hair? This is not just asthma as you might think. It could be an asthma condition that is related to an allergy in our body. Today we are talking about this very common, but not many people know about, allergic asthma.

Simply put, what is allergic asthma?

Imagine that our body is a fortress with a strong defense system. This fortress checks everything that comes into it. But sometimes this defense system (immune system) makes a mistake. When it sees something harmless, for example, a speck of dust, a flower stamen, or an animal fur, it thinks it is a big enemy and starts a big fight.

In this fight, our body releases various chemicals. These chemicals cause our airways to swell and become tight from the inside. Just like when someone squeezes a water pipe, it becomes difficult for the water to flow through, it becomes difficult for air to enter our lungs. That's what we call allergic asthma . Simply put, your asthma condition occurs when you inhale something you are allergic to.

In fact, most people with asthma, about 6 out of 10, have asthma caused by these allergies . So this is not something that only happens to you, it's a very common condition.

What are the symptoms? How do we recognize this?

A person with allergic asthma may experience both normal asthma symptoms and allergy symptoms. To understand this clearly, let's break these symptoms down into two categories.

When you are exposed to something that causes you an allergy, one or more of these symptoms may appear at the same time.

What are these allergens that trigger asthma?

These allergens can be found anywhere in our environment. The most important thing for you is to identify exactly what triggers your asthma. Then you can stay as far away from them as possible.

Some people may also experience an exacerbation of their asthma due to certain foods (food allergies), but this is somewhat rare.

Could this situation be serious?

Yes. Allergic asthma can affect your daily life if not properly controlled.

• Sleep disturbance: Coughing and difficulty breathing at night can make it difficult to sleep soundly.
• Missing school or work: When asthma worsens, you may not be able to go to school or work.
• Inability to exercise: You have to avoid exercise because you feel short of breath when you run or jump.
• Frequent hospitalizations: There are many cases of hospitalizations when an asthma attack occurs.

How does a doctor diagnose this?

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and examine you. Then, they may do some tests to find out if it's asthma or an allergy.

• Spirometry: This is a test that measures your breathing. You are asked to take a deep breath into a tube and then blow out forcefully. This test measures how quickly and how much air your lungs can take in and out. Sometimes an inhaler is used, and the test is repeated afterwards to see if there is any difference in your breathing.

• Bronchoprovocation testing: In this, you are asked to inhale a special medicine (methacholine) and the sensitivity and tightness of your airways are measured using the same spirometry test.

• Allergy Tests: Once it is confirmed that you have asthma, these tests are done to find out if an allergy is the cause.
• Skin test: A few drops of various allergens are placed on your hand or back and a small prick is made very superficially with a small needle. If you are allergic to that substance, within a few minutes the area will become slightly red and swollen, like a mosquito bite.
• Blood test: A blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of proteins (antibodies) made by the body against various allergens.

How do we control this situation?

In this, your doctor will create a treatment plan that works for both your allergies and your asthma. This consists of two parts.

1. Avoiding allergens

This is the most important thing. Once you know what you're allergic to, stay away from them as much as possible.

• Keep your home clean: Always sweep, mop, and dust your home thoroughly.
• Bed sheets and pillowcases: Wash these at least once a week in hot water. It's best to use special covers (allergen-proof covers) to protect against dust mites.
• Protect yourself from pollen: Keep your windows closed during high pollen times. Wear a mask if you go outside.
• Air purifiers: Using a good air purifier can also help reduce things like dust and pollen in the air at home.
• Make an Action Plan: This is very important. Talk to your doctor and write down what medicine you will take if your asthma suddenly worsens, what you will do if it doesn't improve, and who you will talk to.

2. Medical treatment

Depending on your condition, your doctor will prescribe various medications.

• Rescue inhalers: These are inhalers that are used when you suddenly have an asthma attack. They quickly widen your airways and make it easier to breathe. This is a medicine you should always keep with you.
• Controller medications: These are medications that you need to take every day. They are often inhaled corticosteroids. They work by reducing swelling in your airways and preventing an asthma attack.
• Leukotriene modifiers: These are a type of medication that comes in pill form. Montelukast is a commonly used medication of this type. It helps control both asthma and allergies.
• Antihistamines: These pills help reduce allergy symptoms (itchy eyes, runny nose).
• Allergy shots / Immunotherapy: This is a longer-term treatment. This involves injecting your body with very small amounts of the substance you are allergic to. Over time, your body becomes accustomed to it and reacts less.

When should you see a doctor? When should you go to the Emergency Department (ETU)?

If you have any of the asthma or allergy symptoms we discussed earlier, definitely see a doctor for advice. Don't self -medicate.

Allergic asthma is a lifelong condition. But there is no need to be afraid of it. By knowing exactly what you are allergic to, staying away from them, and taking the medication your doctor prescribes, you can control this condition well and live a healthy, happy life without any problems.