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.
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 one of the most 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
From 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
Such as cats and dogs also trigger allergies which can worsen existing asthma symptoms or lead to development of new asthma episodes if a person was not previously diagnosed with this condition. Other environmental triggers such as cold weather or high humidity levels have also been linked with increased severity of asthmatic 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 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.
The main 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) designed by healthcare providers depending on the individual patient’s needs in order to allow them total regular activity while keeping their condition stable through careful management plans including use of rescue inhalers when needed if severe acute exacerbations arise requiring immediate relief from symptoms despite preventive treatments already taken priorly..
Allergy Testing for Allergic Asthma Diagnosis
Allergy testing is a key 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.
Why Choose Our Specialists?
- Dr. Daniel G. Becker, Founder and Medical Director of The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a highly trained, board-certified specialist who graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College in 1986.
- Dr. Samuel S. Becker, Director of Rhinology at The Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy Center, is a highly trained, board-certified specialist who graduated from Amherst College in 1991 and attended medical school at the University of California San Francisco.
- Dr. Kenneth Rosenstein is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist who attended medical school at Mcgill University, and completed his residency training at the prestigious New York Eye and Ear Infirmary.
- Dr. Naomi Gregory is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Gregory completed medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Philadelphia PA.
- Dr. Michael Lupa, MD is a highly trained, board certified otolaryngologist with additional training in sinus surgery and allergy treatment as well as advanced skull base surgery. He studied Biology at Tufts University and went on to complete medical school at Case Western University School of Medicine in Cleveland, Ohio.
- Dr. Robert Mignone is a highly trained, board-certified otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon who attended medical school at New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Dr. Aubrey McCullough is a highly trained otolaryngologist, facial plastic and head and neck surgeon who completed medical school at Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine.
- Dr. Luke Kim is an otolaryngologist who specializes in the diagnosis, medical management, and surgical treatment of diseases of the ear, nose, and throat. Dr. Kim graduated with honors and with distinction from Cornell University and completed his medical studies at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
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