Allergies

What is allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that’s triggered by an immune system response to inhaled allergens. When you have allergies, your immune system reacts to harmless substances as though they’re a danger to your body.

Every time you encounter these substances (allergens), your immune systems releases chemicals that trigger lung inflammation and asthma symptoms, such as wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

What allergens commonly cause allergic asthma?

The allergens that cause allergic asthma are airborne substances such as:

• Pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds)
• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Dust mites
• Cockroaches

You may be at a higher risk of developing allergic asthma if you have a family history of allergies or a personal history of hay fever.

What other allergies cause lung problems?

Several other allergy-related health conditions affect your lungs:

Allergic bronchitis

Although acute bronchitis is usually caused by a viral infection, the same type of lung inflammation can be triggered by airborne allergens. Allergic bronchitis can then make you susceptible to a secondary viral or bacterial lung infection.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis

This condition is an allergic lung reaction caused by the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. The fungus settles in excess mucus produced in the airways of patients with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Without treatment, it causes inflammation and damages your airways.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic reaction to dust, organisms, or chemicals. It occurs over time with ongoing exposure to the allergen, causing chronic inflammation in and around air sacs and the smallest airways in the lungs.

How are allergy-related lung conditions treated?

Dr. Sayal may prescribe medications to reduce inflammation; otherwise, treatment is the same as for other types of allergies. First, he identifies your specific allergens by performing allergy testing. The next step is developing a plan to avoid your allergens.

Depending on the severity of your condition, Dr. Sayal may also implement immunotherapy, or as it’s more commonly called, allergy shots. Immunotherapy consists of a series of shots that inject gradually increasing amounts of your allergens. Over time, exposure to the allergens desensitizes your immune system, and your allergic response is eliminated or significantly diminished.

If you have symptoms such as shortness of breath, a cough, wheezing, or a mild fever, call Pulmonology Group LLC Lung Specialist or book an appointment online.