Topic of the Month - March - Is your asthma allergic?
In this Topic of the Month you will learn about:
- Understanding asthma
- Understanding allergic asthma
- IgE, the cause of allergic asthma
- Getting diagnosed and seeking treatment
- When you should see an allergist/immunologist
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Understanding asthma
Asthma is a chronic and potentially life-threatening lung disease in which airways become inflamed and/or swollen, making it hard to breathe. An estimated 20 million Americans suffer from asthma. Of these, 10 million - including three million children - suffer specifically from allergic asthma.
Yet, research shows that many people with asthma could better control their disease which would help reduce asthma symptoms or attacks. Common symptoms of asthma include:
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
Asthma symptoms can be triggered by several factors, including:
- Allergens
- Irritants such as tobacco smoke, strong odors
- Weather changes
- Viral or sinus infections
- Exercise
- Reflux disease (Stomach acid flowing back up the esophagus, or food pipe)
- Medications
- Foods
- Emotional anxiety
Understanding allergic asthma
Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma. Many of the symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma are the same (coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing and chest tightness). However, allergic asthma is triggered by inhaling allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollens, mold, etc. Through a complex reaction, these allergens then cause the passages in the airways of the lungs to become inflamed and swollen. This results in coughing, wheezing and other asthma symptoms.
IgE, the cause of allergic asthma
Allergens are identified as a key cause of allergic asthma. But the real culprit in causing allergic asthma is the IgE antibody. The IgE antibody is produced by the body in response to allergen exposure. The combination of the IgE antibody with allergens results in the release of potent chemicals called mediators. The mediators cause the inflammation and swelling of the airways, resulting in the symptoms of asthma. This makes the antibody IgE the root cause of allergic asthma.
 Getting diagnosed and seeking treatment
It is important for people with asthma to seek treatment from an asthma specialist. An asthma specialist, such as an allergist/immunologist, will identify your allergic triggers and develop a plan to help you avoid these allergens. Allergens cannot be totally avoided. Another way for you to control allergic asthma is to take a medication that binds IgE and prevents it from setting off the inflammatory response. Your doctor can provide you with more information on the treatment options that are best for you.
When should you see an allergist/immunologist?
The AAAAI's How the Allergist/Immunologist Can Help: Consultation and Referral Guidelines Citing the Evidence provide information to assist patients and health care professionals in determining when a patient may need consultation or ongoing specialty care from an allergist/immunologist. Patients should see an allergist/immunologist if they:
- Need to confirm the diagnosis of asthma
- Have asthma and see their symptoms get worse after a new pet has been introduced into the home
- Have a history of seasonal or persistent asthma, to evaluate their sensitivity to inhaled allergens and provide instructions regarding avoidance measures
- Need education on asthma and guidance in techniques for self-management
- Need for daily asthma reliever medications
- Are not using medications as prescribed, and this is limiting their ability to control their asthma
Consulting with an allergist/immunologist before your symptoms begin, or before they worsen, is an important first step in maintaining proper allergy and asthma control. An allergist/immunologist is the best qualified medical professional trained to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergic disease. To find an allergist/immunologist in your area, please visit www.aaaai.org/physref.
Additional Resources
Tips to Remember: Asthma triggers and management
Allergy and asthma medication guide
Allergic conditions: Asthma
Tips to Remember: Role of the allergist/immunologist
This topic was reviewed on 3/1/2008 by Stuart Friedman, MD, FAAAAI, Patients & Consumers Web Editor.
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