You will find the following content in our article:
- Allergic vs. non-allergic asthma
- Symptoms of chronic inflammation of the airways
- Allergic asthma symptoms: recognizing and understanding
- Air quality: crucial for the well-being of affected people
- High humidity and asthma: effects and measures
- Allergy-induced asthma: causes, symptoms and treatment
- Asthma therapy: Relieve and prevent
Allergic asthma is a particularly common chronic, i.e. persistent, disease. The disease usually occurs in attacks and is accompanied by inflammation of the airways. The term is Greek and means oppression.
Although global disease numbers are stagnant, between 235 (WHO) and 339 million (The Global Asthma Network) people worldwide suffer from bronchial asthma. Deaths per year are 250,000, making the disease not only one of the greatest health challenges, but also a major source of global economic burden.
Allergic vs. non-allergic asthma
Bronchial asthma is defined as a chronic inflammation of the lower airways. Basically, a distinction is made between allergic and non-allergic asthma. In most cases, the increased sensitivity of the bronchial tubes to certain stimuli is accompanied by chronic inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract.
In 30 percent of cases, the disease is non-allergic asthma - this particularly affects middle-aged or elderly people. Extrinsic ast hma (also: allergic asthma), on the other hand, is the most common form with 70 percent and occurs mostly in children and adolescents. Initially allergic asthma can also develop into mixed asthma over time.
As one of the so-called atopic diseases , the allergic form has a genetically determined tendency to hypersensitivity reactions (bronchial hyperreactivity). These reactions can have both allergenic and non-allergenic triggers.
Symptoms of chronic inflammation of the airways
The chronically inflamed lower airways and the hypersensitivity reaction lead to an attack-like constriction of the bronchial tubes, resulting in acute symptoms of allergic asthma:
- Difficulty breathing
- Acute respiratory distress
- Whistling sounds especially on exhalation
- Tightness in the chest area
- Cough or coughing fits
- Fear of suffocation caused by shortness of breath
Children in particular often have a cough - this may mean that the allergic asthma responsible for it is not recognised early.
Allergic asthma symptoms: recognizing and understanding
Allergic asthma is a common form of asthma caused by allergic reactions to certain triggers such as pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or molds. Understanding the symptoms of allergic asthma is crucial in order to be able to take appropriate measures in good time and improve the quality of life of those affected.
The symptoms of allergic asthma are often variable and can range from mild to severe. The most common symptoms include shortness of breath, which can worsen during physical exertion or at night. Sufferers often report a feeling of tightness in the chest, which is perceived as uncomfortably oppressive.
Another typical symptom is a persistent cough that occurs mainly at night or early in the morning. This cough may be dry or accompanied by phlegm. Wheezing or a whistling sound when breathing are also characteristic signs of allergic asthma, which indicate a narrowing of the airways.
In addition to these classic symptoms, allergic reactions such as sneezing, a runny or blocked nose and itchy, watery eyes can also occur, as allergic asthma is often associated with other allergic diseases such as hay fever.
Early recognition of these symptoms is important in order to start appropriate treatment. An accurate diagnosis by a doctor, ideally an allergist or pulmonologist, is essential to identify the triggers and create a personalized treatment plan.
The treatment of allergic asthma usually involves avoiding known allergens, the use of inhalation medication to relieve symptoms and, if necessary, immunotherapy to reduce sensitivity to allergens.
Through awareness of the symptoms of allergic asthma and timely medical intervention, sufferers can better control their symptoms and lead an active, fulfilling life.
Air quality: crucial for the well-being of affected people
Since asthma forms in the airways, air quality is important for the well-being of asthma sufferers.
Whether pollen, mould spores or mite faeces - most inhalant allergens attach themselves to particulates. This can increase the causes and effects in the respiratory tract and thus aggravate the symptoms of allergic asthma.
In general, particulates is suspected of triggering allergies. Studies show that childhood asthma could often be prevented by reducing the exposure limits. It is not only the mucous membranes and airways that are irritated by particulates and often provoke attacks. In addition to impaired lung function and influencing the effectiveness of medication, experimental studies have also shown effects on the formation of the antibodies responsible for allergies - immunoglobulin E (IgE).
Other air pollutants also have a negative effect on such a disease. Especially toxins from combustion processes, such as nitrogen oxides and sulphur dioxide, cause problems for asthmatics. These often cause irritation of the respiratory tract and mucous membranes and even cause inflammation.
The mucous membranes can also dry out if the humidity of the breathing air is too low, increasing the risk of infection: This in turn can provoke asthma attacks. Excessive humidity, on the other hand, can have serious consequences. Humid and warm air are perfect conditions both for the formation of mould fungi and for the proliferation of house dust mites. In the process, the mould spores as well as the faeces of the house dust mites act as allergens and aggravate the symptoms of allergic asthma.
High humidity and asthma: effects and measures
High humidity can be a significant challenge for people with asthma. Humid air can irritate the airways and worsen the symptoms of asthma, which can lead to increased asthma attacks. Understanding the effects of high humidity on asthma and taking appropriate action can help to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life.
In high humidity, the air is heavier and denser, which can make breathing difficult. These conditions can impair lung function and lead to shortness of breath, wheezing and a tight feeling in the chest. Humid air also encourages the growth of mold and dust mites, which are common triggers of asthma attacks.
To minimize the effects of high humidity on asthma, it is important to control the indoor climate. The use of dehumidifiers can help to keep indoor humidity at an optimal level, ideally between 30 and 50 percent. Regular ventilation and the use of air conditioning systems with a dehumidification function can also help to reduce humidity.
In addition, asthma sufferers should make sure to take their medication regularly and follow an asthma action plan that is tailored to their individual needs. If symptoms persist or worsen, it is advisable to consult a doctor to adjust treatment.
Outdoor activities should be avoided on days with particularly high humidity, especially if temperatures are also high. If spending time outdoors is unavoidable, sufferers should make sure to stay in shaded areas and minimize physical exertion.
By being aware of the effects of high humidity on asthma and taking preventative measures, asthma sufferers can better control their symptoms and avoid worsening their condition.
Allergy-induced asthma: causes, symptoms and treatment
Allergy-induced asthma is a common form of asthma triggered by allergic reactions to specific environmental allergens. This form of asthma occurs when the immune system overreacts to normally harmless substances such as pollen, animal dander, house dust mites or mold spores. This hypersensitivity leads to inflammation and constriction of the airways, resulting in the typical asthma symptoms.
The most common symptoms of allergy-induced asthma include shortness of breath, a whistling sound when breathing (wheezing), coughing and a tight feeling in the chest. These symptoms can worsen on contact with the triggering allergens and often occur seasonally, especially when pollen is in the air.
Allergy-induced asthma is usually diagnosed by an allergy test, which helps to identify the specific triggers. A lung function test can also be carried out to determine the severity of the asthma.
Treatment of allergy-induced asthma focuses on avoiding the known allergens and controlling symptoms. Inhaled corticosteroids and bronchodilators are common medications that help to open the airways and reduce inflammation. In addition, specific immunotherapy (hyposensitization) can be considered to reduce sensitivity to certain allergens in the long term.
In addition to medication, it is important to take preventative measures to minimize contact with allergens. These include regular vacuuming with a HEPA filter, using allergen-proof comforter covers and keeping windows closed when pollen levels are high.
Through targeted treatment and allergen management, people with allergy-related asthma can effectively control their symptoms and lead an active life. A personalized treatment plan, created in collaboration with an allergist or pulmonologist, is crucial to achieve the best possible results.
Asthma therapy: Relieve and prevent
In order to prevent asthma attacks or at least to alleviate the asthma symptoms, it is first necessary to regularly check with a doctor which allergens your own body reacts to. In addition to this therapy, the following simple instructions for action can provide additional relief:
- Keep a diary and - in consultation with the attending doctor - document the course of the disease and the lung performance using a peak flow meter.
- Monitor the quality of the air you breathe(for example, with the air-Q air analyser), thereby immediately identifying possible health restrictions and regularly identifying and ultimately avoiding recurring peaks of certain pollutant concentrations.
- In addition to possible drug therapy with special sprays, clarify other treatment methods and aids with the doctor. Example: Hypersensitisation or special bed linen and covers
- Restrict the consumption of histamine-rich foods and check foods to see if or when they cause cross-reactions with the identified allergens.
Even though allergic asthma can cause a great deal of suffering for those affected, the diagnosis does not necessarily have to lead to massive restrictions in the quality of life. In order to be as carefree as possible, it is above all important to know what is on your plate and what is flying in the air you breathe.
(Image: Semevent/Pixabay)
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