Allergic Asthma Treatment
Allergic asthma is a specific form of asthma where the immune system of an individual with pre-existing asthma responds to certain allergen exposures. This reaction can lead to a range of symptoms including shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma attacks can be triggered by common allergens such as dust mites, pet dander, pollen, and mold. An asthma specialist can help diagnose and treat allergic asthma through a combination of medications, lifestyle changes, environmental control measures, and allergy immunotherapy.
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Respiratory infections may also trigger an asthma attack in people with allergic asthma. In some cases, severe allergic reactions to certain foods or medications can lead to anaphylaxis which can be a life-threatening condition if not treated right away. Allergy immunotherapy is a treatment option for those with allergies that are causing symptoms like wheezing or difficulty breathing due to allergic-induced asthma attacks. This therapy works by exposing the patient to small amounts of the allergens they are sensitive to in order to build up their immunity over time.
For those who suffer from severe allergic asthma attacks, it is important for them to visit an experienced healthcare provider who specializes in managing this condition so they can get the right treatment plan in place. The goal is to reduce inflammation in the airways and prevent exacerbations or worsening of symptoms due to allergens or other triggers like viral upper respiratory infections or colds. Even with proper management many people with severe allergies still experience episodes of acute exacerbation and need additional medical care for their condition.
Benefits of Treatment for Allergic Asthma
Treatment for allergic asthma can bring about an improved quality of life for people with asthma. By controlling the allergic response, a person with asthma can avoid the severe attacks that can result from exposure to allergens and other triggers. Allergy medications, such as antihistamines and corticosteroids, help reduce airway inflammation and prevent the development of chronic asthma. Through careful diagnosis of allergies and a comprehensive medical history, doctors can develop an effective treatment plan for allergic disease. Symptoms of asthma may also be alleviated through environmental control measures such as reducing exposure to allergens in the home or workplace. In cases of severe allergy-induced asthma, immunotherapy may be prescribed to gradually increase tolerance to allergens over time. By successfully managing their condition, people with allergic asthma can enjoy better physical health and improved quality of life.
Types of Allergies that Cause Asthma
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways that is characterized by wheezing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. Different types of allergies can trigger persistent asthma symptoms, making it difficult for those affected to lead normal lives. It is important to identify the type of allergy causing asthma so that appropriate treatments may be prescribed.
Dust Mites
These are a common triggers for asthma. These tiny bugs live in house dust and feed on dead skin cells and other organic materials found in mattresses, carpets, curtains, bedding and other furniture items. Dust mites produce proteins that are inhaled as allergens, triggering an immune response that leads to inflammation and narrowing of the airways.
Pollen
Some grasses, trees, and weeds are also known to cause allergic reactions in people with asthma. Pollen grains are dispersed through the air when trees or flowers bloom during certain seasons of the year resulting in respiratory symptoms like sneezing and wheezing in allergic individuals. In some cases, exposure to pollen-producing plants can result in severe asthmatic attacks that require emergency medical treatment.
Pet Dander
Dander from animals such as cats and dogs may trigger allergies which can worsen existing asthma symptoms or lead to development of new asthma episodes.
Diagnose allergies correctly
Doctors conduct medical interviews with patients regarding their lifestyle habits, family history, environmental factors, etc., along with physical exams and tests such as pulmonary function tests, skin prick tests, or blood tests looking for IgE antibodies specific to certain allergens which show sensitization to them leading to the development of allergic asthma.
One goal for treating allergic asthma is controlling the inflammation caused by allergen exposure which is achieved through medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids combined with environmental control measures (avoidance). On occasion, rescue inhalers may be used when needed if severe acute exacerbations arise requiring immediate relief from symptoms despite preventive treatments already taken.
Allergy Testing for Allergic Asthma Diagnosis
Allergy testing is a one component of diagnosing asthma in adults. Skin prick tests and blood tests can be used to detect IgE antibodies that are specific to certain allergens, allowing healthcare providers to identify the individual’s asthma triggers. This information helps them to develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to the patient’s needs that will help reduce their symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.
Treatment Options for Managing Allergic Asthma Symptoms
Asthma medications for adults with asthma are typically prescribed to reduce symptoms and prevent flare-ups. Commonly used treatments include inhaled corticosteroids, long-acting beta agonists, leukotriene modifiers, combination inhalers, oral corticosteroids, and biologics. Environmental control measures such as avoiding triggers can also help reduce the prevalence of asthma severity in some individuals. In addition to regular medications, healthcare providers may suggest rescue inhalers or nebulizers to be used when needed during acute exacerbations requiring immediate relief from symptoms despite preventive treatments already taken priorly.
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Why Choose Our Specialists?
- Dr. Elias Akl, is a distinguished allergist and immunologist based in Philadelphia. He holds board certifications in Allergy and Immunology as well as Internal Medicine, showcasing his expertise in multiple medical disciplines. Dr. Akl is not only board-certified in internal medicine but also a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology (FAAAAI).
- Dr. Kathryn Edwards, Director of Allergy & Immunology at The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a board-certified allergist and immunologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies, food allergies, skin conditions, and asthma. She is a highly trained physician with extensive experience in the military, where she served as a pediatrician and chief of Allergy/Immunology. Dr. Edwards provides care for patients of all ages, from neonates to geriatrics.
- Dr. Naba Sharif is a highly skilled board-certified Allergist and Immunologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating allergies, including environmental and seasonal allergies, food allergies, and asthma. She received her medical degree from SUNY at Stony Brook School of Medicine, completed a Pediatrics residency at Hasbro Children’s Hospital of Brown University, and pursued a fellowship in Allergy and Immunology at the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. She practiced as a Pediatrician and Allergist-Immunologist at Kaiser Permanente in Washington DC, was recognized as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian Magazine from 2016 to 2020, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology and the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Dr. Sharif is committed to community service, health education, empowerment, and advocacy for the underprivileged.
- Dr. Jamie Zacharias is a highly accomplished and board-certified Allergist and Immunologist hailing from South Jersey. She pursued her education in her hometown, graduating from Bishop Eustace Preparatory School, and furthered her academic journey by earning her bachelor’s and medical degrees from Drexel University and the College of Medicine in Philadelphia, PA. Dr. Zacharias continued her medical training with an Internal Medicine internship and residency at Drexel University College of Medicine/Hahnemann University Hospital. Following this, she completed a comprehensive Allergy and Immunology fellowship at Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where she actively engaged in asthma research, particularly focusing on patient demographics and phenotyping. Dr. Zacharias holds memberships in esteemed organizations such as the Pennsylvania Allergy and Asthma Association, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, and the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology. Her specialization encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of various conditions, including asthma, immunodeficiencies, seasonal and environmental allergies, allergic reactions (including drug and food allergies), and skin conditions such as hives and eczema. Dr. Zacharias is dedicated to providing care across a wide age spectrum, from pediatric to geriatric patients, and she is excited to contribute to the well-being of her community where she has deep roots.
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