The link between Asthma and Allergies I believe is a very important.
Understanding medicine is a complex business that requires years of
study, often to prove beyond a shadow of doubt things that sufferers of
illnesses have long accepted as fact.
I know from hard evidence that allergies play a big role in asthma. My
Daughter is allergic to cats – getting near a cat causes asthma attacks
so bad, she can be hospitalised. Plus she is allergic to other things
that can trigger attacks. So let's explore further …
Over recent years Asthma and allergic diseases have increased
dramatically. In fact Australia has the second highest prevalence of
asthma in the world; 1 in 4 children, 1 in 7 teenagers and 1 in 10
adults. The reasons for this are unclear. However, we do know that
according to 2005 stats:
Around 4 in 10 Australians had allergic disease and more than 8 in 10
Australians with asthma had positive allergy test results.
Now that is only in Australia – what would the stats be worldwide??
So, what exactly is an allergy?
An Allergy occurs when a person's immune system reacts to substances in
the environment that do not bother most people.
These substances are known as allergens and are found in house dust
mites, pets, pollen, moulds, and foods.
These people who are allergic to such things are said to be atopic and
may have a genetic tendency to develop allergic diseases. When atopic
People are exposed to allergens they can develop an immune reaction that
leads to allergic inflammation (redness and swelling).
This can then cause symptoms in the:
* Nose and/or eyes – allergic rhinitis/conjunctivitis (hay fever)
* Skin – eczema, hives
* Lungs – Asthma
So what Role does Allergies play in Asthma?
Most people with asthma are atopic meaning they suffer from allergies
and allergens may be that VERY important trigger factor that can make
their Asthma worse.
Let us look at a couple of examples – I know causes attacks.
When a person -
* vacuums or dusts as this causes house dust mite allergens to
become airborne
* visit a house where a cat lives (as in the case with my
Daughter)
* Is outdoors when there are high levels of pollen in the air.
* visits cities with high pollution levels
Then unfortunately, there can be what I would call – Occupational Asthma
Triggers –
* Health care workers allergic to things like hand sanitizers,
gloves etc
* Bakers allergic to flour dust.
* Builders allergic to concrete
* Waitresses allergic to coffee beans
The list can go on.
Some Asthma triggers you cannot control, however, exposure to some
allergic triggers can be reduced or just plain avoided, after all
improved control of your asthma must be paramount.
If you or a family member suffers from Asthma, you should have a good
management plan and be working with your Specialist Physician to
minimise attacks – many of these Physicians may even ask that the
sufferer undergo some allergy tests so a clearer picture of asthma
triggers can be known.
For today that is all I have for you on Links between Asthma and
Allergies
I wish you and your family the best of health!
Disclaimer
It is important to note that information contained in this post is not
Intended to replace professional medical advice. Any questions regarding
a medical diagnosis or treatment should be directed to a medical
Practitioner
Take Care,
Love and Light
Maggie
