Overview
Individuals who suffer from asthma generally have airways that are sensitive and that can react to different triggers in the environment. These triggers can typically cause issues such as inflammation and an extra production of mucus in the airways, both of which can make an asthma situation worse.
Atopy is known as the condition in which allergic conditions can be developed, and the issue is one that is genetic. There are many people who suffer from asthma and are also atopic. Additionally, they also have a greater risk of developing many other types of allergic conditions as well. If you are someone who is atopic, there are some allergens that can act as trigger factors to not only increase the symptoms of your asthma, but also to decrease how you are able to control your asthma.
Other forms of allergic reactions can include the following:
*Allergic rhinitis, which is more commonly known as hay fever. Common symptoms of this include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and an itchy throat.
*Eczema. The most common symptom of this issue is red, dry, and itchy skin.
*Hives. Generally, those who experience this go through skin rashes.
*Anaphylaxis. This is a more severe allergic reaction that can end up becoming life-threatening.
How to Identify Asthma Triggers
Asthma is a condition that can be recognized whenever symptoms begin to get worse thanks to specific allergens and triggers. It’s important to note that not everyone’s asthma case is the same, which also means that everyone’s triggers will be different as well; however, for many people who suffer from asthma, triggers can only become a problem if they don’t know how to properly control their asthma.
Being able to both identify and reduce exposure to allergen triggers is something that will not only improve your allergen control, but it will also make all of your symptoms much easier to manage. Regardless, it’s extremely important that you still talk to your doctor about how to effectively manage allergens. In response, you may be prescribed medication and your doctor may also give you advice on how to reduce exposure to allergens in the event that you begin to start dealing with them.
Allergens that Can Trigger Asthma
Generally defined, an allergen is a substance that can trigger asthma. When your immune system begins to react to other substances in the environment that are otherwise harmless to other people, an allergic reaction can occur. Normally, if you are allergic to something, then either touching it, eating it, breathing it in, etc. will bring on an allergic reaction.
An allergic reaction of any kind can end up leading to the lining of the airways swelling up, as well as the muscles tightening up in that same area, which can lead to difficulty breathing.
Typically, some of the most common asthma allergen triggers include pollen, dust mites, pets, and mold; however, there are many other different types of triggers, which can include the following:
*Respiratory viruses
*Various medications
*Tobacco smoke
*Chemicals
*Perfumes
*Exercise/physical activity of any type
*Dry/cold air
*Gases
*Paint
*Wood fire smoke
What to Remember
Prior to making any lifestyle changes, no matter how big or small they are, consider making an appointment with your doctor to determine whether or not you actually have an allergy by going through an allergy test. Furthermore, even though avoiding an allergy can help you to reduce your overall exposure to triggers, using your prescribed medication as directed is perhaps the best way to deal with your asthma.