What are allergies?
Allergies are chronic responses from your immune system against various substances. They develop when your body incorrectly identifies a benign foreign substance, like pollen or tree nuts, as a threat.
When your body senses an allergen, it attacks it with histamines and antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Histamine causes those classic allergy symptoms, like sneezing, hives, and swelling.
Other common signs of an allergic reaction include:
- Brain fog
- Coughing
- Headaches
- Itchy eyes
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Runny nose
- Postnasal drip
- Nasal congestion
- Watery eyes
- Sinus headaches
- Sinusitis
- Sleeplessness
Allergies can also cause asthma and asthma attacks.
What is asthma?
Asthma is a chronic condition that, when induced, causes your airways to become inflamed. Asthma can be caused by allergies, or it can be non-allergy related.
Common types of allergic asthma include:
- Occupational asthma
- Cold-induced asthma
- Exercise-induced asthma
Occupational asthma is asthma caused by allergens found in the workplace, like:
What are the symptoms of asthma?
Signs you may have asthma include:
- Wheezing
- Chronic coughing
- Chest tightness or pain
- Shortness of breath
- Sleep disturbed by coughing and wheezing
Children with pediatric asthma only show their asthma through coughing.
How can I control my allergies?
To control allergies, you can take a number of steps. First, you can reduce the effects of seasonal, environmental, and year-round (perennial) allergies by taking over-the-counter medications like:
- Antihistamines
- Steroid nasal sprays
- Sinus rinses
- Decongestants
All of these solutions, by reducing your allergies, help reduce allergy-induced asthma.
For food allergies, consider allergy shots or allergy immunotherapy. These offer a more permanent solution to allergies.
How do you control asthma?
To control asthma, you need an asthma action plan that you and Dr. Gutierrez write together, detailing your asthma triggers and what steps to take in the event of an asthma attack.
These steps include a guide to checking your breathing with a peak flow meter, what medications you should take for which symptoms, and signs it’s time to seek emergency care.
Medications that Dr. Gutierrez may prescribe you for asthma control include:
- Inhalers
- Nebulizers
- Oral corticosteroids
- Biological medication
Also, you can avoid asthma attacks by doing your best to avoid triggers, to keep your lungs healthy by not smoking, and by checking in with Dr. Gutierrez for preventive care.
If allergies or asthma is isolating you, seek out Dr. Gutierrez today. With his help, you can get back to the activities you love. To connect, book your appointment via the online booking tool or over the phone.
