Does allergy cause asthma? Let's find out for sure!

Does your child have allergies? Or does it sometimes make it hard to breathe? Some parents think that their child develops asthma because of allergies. What is the truth in this story? Today we will talk about this in detail, as if your friend were telling you.

Does this allergy really cause asthma?

Simply put, allergies do not directly cause asthma . That is, not everyone who has an allergy will develop asthma. But there is a small connection here. That is, if someone has allergies, or if someone in the family (mother, father, siblings) has allergies, they are more likely to develop asthma than others, that is, the risk is slightly higher .

Think about it this way, if someone in your family has diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus), you have a small chance of developing it too. That doesn't mean you will definitely develop it, but the risk is higher.

Another thing is, if a child already has asthma, if he develops an allergy, that allergy can trigger asthma symptoms . It's like someone waking a sleeping lion.

So how do asthma symptoms appear when you have an allergy?

To understand this, we need to know a little about an amazing defense system in our body. That is the immune system . It is like the army in our country. It is this system that protects us from external enemies (such as germs and viruses).

Now, when something harmful, that is, an allergen, enters the body of someone with an allergy , the immune system becomes a little agitated. It thinks that a really big enemy has entered the body.

What is this allergen?

These are the things that usually cause us allergies. Here are a few examples:

• Dust mites: These are tiny creatures that are invisible to the naked eye. They live in our bedding, pillows, mattresses, and sofas.
• Mold: Grows in damp places, such as bathrooms and walls.
• Pollen: Pollen is released into the air from tree leaves during flowering.
• Animal dander: Small pieces of skin shed from the bodies of animals such as cats and dogs.
• Even some foods (food allergens) can cause allergies.

So, when an allergen like this enters the body, the immune system thinks, "An enemy has arrived!" and creates a special kind of soldier, a type of antibody , to fight it. This is called Immunoglobulin E (IgE) . These `IgE` antibodies go and give a signal to some cells in our body, saying, "Start the fight now!"

When that signal is received, those cells release various chemicals into the blood. This is done in an attempt to protect the body. One of these chemicals is histamine . When you have an allergy, your eyes become red and itchy, your nose runs, and your skin becomes itchy – these are the symptoms that are responsible for many of these symptoms.

Now imagine, what happens if these chemicals like histamine affect our airways ? That's when asthma symptoms start to appear.

• You may cough.
• Wheezing may be heard from the chest when breathing.
• It may be difficult to breathe, and your chest may feel tight.

In this way, we also call things that cause asthma symptoms due to allergies "triggers."

Another important thing is that these `IgE` antibodies can remain in our blood for a long time, even if we do not have allergy symptoms. So, if that allergen enters the body again, asthma symptoms can reappear very quickly. This is why some people have a little difficulty controlling their asthma when they have allergies.

Will this allergy affect my child's asthma? How do I know?

Not everyone with allergies develops asthma, and not all asthma is caused by allergies. There are some types of asthma that are exacerbated by exercise, cold air, or a cold. This is called non-allergic asthma .

However, if your child's asthma is difficult to control or if they are experiencing frequent asthma symptoms, it is important to investigate whether an allergy is the cause .

What should I do?

First, talk to your family doctor about this. He or she can examine your child and refer you to an allergist if necessary.

An allergist can perform various tests (for example, a skin prick test or a blood test for allergies) to find out exactly what your child is allergic to.

Imagine, Niluka's son always has asthma. It's worst in the evening after school. It was only when the doctor referred him to an allergist that he learned that his son has a severe allergy to dust mites. His asthma worsens when he comes home and is exposed to dust.

If you find that your child's asthma is triggered by an allergen, the next step is to keep your child away from that allergen as much as possible. This alone can significantly reduce asthma symptoms.

Sometimes, it can be difficult to completely avoid an allergen. For example, something like pollen. In such cases, the doctor or `Allergist` may recommend allergy medicine or allergy shots (Allergy Immunotherapy) to control the allergy. These shots gradually make the child's body accustomed to that allergen.

What should we do as parents when caring for a child with asthma and allergies?

This is something that really needs to be done with a little care. But don't worry. If managed properly, the child can live a normal life.

• Be aware of triggers: Pay close attention to when and where your child's asthma flares up. It's a good idea to write them down in a small notebook.
• Keep your home environment clean:
• Reduce dust mites:
• Wash bed sheets and pillowcases in hot water at least once a week.
• It would be great if you could put allergy-proof covers on mattresses and pillows.
• Reduce the use of carpets. If you have them, clean them regularly with a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter .
• Wash the toys in your child's room (especially those made of cloth) regularly.
• Control Mold:
• Reduce humidity in the house. Ensure good ventilation.
• If there are any water leaks, fix them immediately.
• Always check areas like bathrooms and kitchens for mold. If mold is present, clean it properly.
• Protect yourself from pollen:
• Keep windows closed during peak pollen times (usually in the morning).
• Bathe and change your child's clothes when they come back from playing outside.
• Be careful with animal dander:
• If your child is allergic to animals, do not bring pets into the bedroom.
• If possible, do not keep the animal indoors.
• Bathe the animal regularly.
• It is also a good idea to use an air purifier with a HEPA filter .
• Avoid smoking: No one should smoke around your child. Passive smoking is very harmful to a child with asthma.
• Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the medicine your doctor prescribes exactly, at the right time, and in the right dose. If you use an inhaler, ask your doctor or pharmacist for instructions on how to use it properly.
• Create an Asthma Action Plan: Talk to your child's doctor and create a plan that includes what medications to give based on your child's asthma symptoms, when to see the doctor, and what to do in an emergency. You can also give this to teachers.
• Educate the child: Teach the child about his condition and what to be careful of, in an age-appropriate manner.

Remember, all of this is not done to limit the child's life, but to help him or her play, learn, and grow freely, happily, like other children.

The most important thing to remember from what we have discussed (Take-Home Message)

Okay, so let's remind you again of the main points we've discussed.

• Allergies do not directly cause asthma, but people with allergies are at higher risk of developing asthma.
• For a child who already has asthma, an allergy can make asthma symptoms worse. We call these "triggers."
• If your child's asthma is difficult to control, it is important to check if it is related to allergies. Seek medical advice for this.
• Identifying the allergens that trigger asthma and keeping your child away from them as much as possible is a great help in controlling asthma.
• Don't worry, doctors can help you manage these conditions. With the necessary medications, vaccinations, and lifestyle changes, your child can live a comfortable life.

The important thing is, you are not alone. There are many other parents who have similar problems. With the right knowledge and medical advice, you too can take good care of your child.

` Asthma, allergies, children's health, respiratory diseases, allergies, immune system, histamine