Do I Have Allergic Asthma?

Do you have breathing difficulties after inhaling things called allergens (or allergy triggers) such as pollen, mites, mold or animal dandruff (from hair, skin or feathers)?

Do you have an asthmatic reaction (cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath) after ingesting milk, fish, shellfish, eggs, peanuts, wheat or nuts?

Do you cough?

Do you have wheezing (breathing with a whistling or rattling sound in the chest)?

Do you have shortness of breath?

Do you breathe quickly?

Do you feel tightness in your chest?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have allergic asthma. Allergies and asthma are conditions that often coexist. Allergens such as pollen, mites or mold, which cause teary eyes and sneezing in most people, can also cause breathing difficulties. However, not everyone who has an allergy will develop asthma and vice versa. Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is caused by an allergic reaction. It is the most common type of asthma that affects about 60 percent of people with asthma. Allergens can enter your body by inhalation, ingestion or by touching them, so sometimes asthma can be caused by skin or food allergies.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is also called allergen-induced asthma. An allergic reaction occurs when your immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance like pollen as a harmful one. Your immune system then releases certain chemicals that affect your lungs and airways causing asthma symptoms. In some cases, allergic asthma can be exacerbated by factors such as exercise, stress, airborne irritants or viral respiratory infections. Your doctor may diagnose allergic asthma based on skin and blood tests, as well as additional tests that include spirometry, peak flow, and lung function tests.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have allergic asthma. Allergic asthma is a very common type of asthma that mostly affects people with a family history of allergies, as well as those who already have hay fever or some other form of allergy. Your allergist can help you control your asthma and allergies so you can have a good quality of life. Treatment includes medications for quick relief and long-term control of asthma, as well as treatment of the underlying allergy. You should also avoid triggers such as pollen, pet dander, dust mites and mold.