Are My Skin Allergies Linked to Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic respiratory disease that results in the lungs becoming inflamed when it gets aggravated. There are instances wherein the airways become even more distended, which can lead to muscle tightening. More symptoms will usually manifest such as coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing or tightening of the chest.

What are different classifications of asthma?

Allergic Asthma

This is the most common type of asthma and is usually triggered when a person inhales allergens. The common forms of allergens include dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen. Most asthmatic people have a history of allergies and those who are prone to allergic reactions are likely to develop asthma.

Childhood Asthma

This type of asthma can affect children younger than five years old. Pediatric asthma may be considered a common chronic disease, but unfortunately the symptoms are difficult to diagnose early on.

The usual symptoms include chest pain, coughing, labored breathing, lethargic feeling and wheezing. These symptoms are pretty common, which means that there may be instances wherein the condition can be misdiagnosed.

Exercise Induced Bronchoconstriction (EIB)

Most asthma cases are actually related to physical activity and EIB is developed when a person engages in exercise activities. People who suffer from EIB are quite sensitive to dry air and low temperatures. Asthma occurs when the person is not able to breathe freely while exercising.

Occupational Asthma

This type of asthma is caused or aggravated when the person is exposed to chemical fumes, dust, gases and other substances on the workplace. The symptoms of occupational asthma are basically the same as other types of asthma such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

The connection between allergies and asthma attacks

Asthma attacks or the worsening of its symptoms can actually be provoked by allergies. In fact, there is hardly any difference between an asthma attack and an allergic reaction. Skin allergies and asthma sometimes go together since the allergic reaction may be present in other parts of the body. Some people experience allergic response through their nose and other parts of the body since it is considered as a DNA-related predisposition.

Types of allergies that cause asthma

Food Allergies

Food allergies rarely result to asthma, but a person who is allergic to some food types may experience allergic reactions such as skin breakouts and shortness of breath.

The most common foods or drinks that can cause an allergic reaction are cow’s milk, eggs, fish, peanuts, shrimps/shellfish, soy, tree nuts (almonds, walnuts or pecans) and wheat. Food preservatives and additives like potassium bisulfite or metabisulfite, sodium bisulfite or metabisulfite or sulfite can be usually found in processed foods.

Indications of food allergy include diarrhea, headache, hives, and nausea, rash, sneezing and vomiting. Extreme situations may lead to anaphylaxis, which can cause breathing problems due to throat swelling.

Inhaled Allergens

Asthma triggers that are inhaled can pose a serious problem. Common allergens include animal dander, cockroach particles, dust mites, mold and pollen. Some people may experience skin allergies because of these but people who are naturally asthmatic should identify their triggers or allergens so they can minimize the risks.

Controlling Asthma and Managing Allergies

Allergic asthma is caused by both exposure to environmental triggers and genetic predisposition. An asthmatic person or one who is prone to allergies must make sure that they stay away from usual triggers. It is best to control allergens at home so you can keep your allergies and asthma attacks in check.

Seasonal allergies can be quite tricky but can still be easily managed. The incidence of allergy or asthma attacks will spike up during the months of October to December because of the weather change. Unfortunately, no one has control over the weather but allergies and asthma attacks can still be managed by taking prophylactic measures.

Hay fever can unfortunately develop to asthma especially when symptoms are not treated. It is always advisable to treat any allergic reactions such as nasal drip to avoid more serious complications like asthma. Go see a doctor especially during allergy seasons so you can better protect yourself.