October 17, 2007
All About Allergy-Induced Asthma
Allergy-induced asthma is one of the most common and easiest forms of asthma to deal with. The reason why this is an easy strain of asthma to deal with is because controlling the exposure to allergens can greatly reduce the risk of having an attack. This is a huge advantage over people who have non-allergic asthma and as a result, suffer all year round.
It is important to understand exactly how allergy-induced asthma works before embarking on any kind of treatment or medication. Always remember that any kind of medication, treatment or assessment should be done under the supervision of a doctor. Since asthma is such a common condition, there are a number of treatments available on the market and it is important to find the one that will work best for you.
Crowding And Causes
Numerous studies have been done on what exactly causes allergy-induced asthma. Research has proven that more and more people suffer from this kind of asthma than ever before and the reason seems to be overcrowding. Especially in urban centers that are already under the threat of higher pollution levels, crowding gives rise to exposure to household pets as well as pests like rats and cockroaches, which can trigger asthma.
Other studies have concluded that Hispanic and African American children are more prone to contract allergy-induced asthma than Caucasian children. The reason for this could be that the former two are more likely to be living in crowded conditions. Similarly, children who grow up in suburban or rural areas are less likely to have asthma than children who are born and raised in the city.
The Good News
The good news about allergy-induced asthma is that it is very treatable. The way this asthma works is that histamines are produced in the body whenever it is exposed to an allergen. These histamines go to work on a person's bronchial passages and lungs, causing inflammation and irritation in an effort to remove the allergen from the body. The best way to tackle this kind of asthma is to identify the allergen source.
There are three main allergen sources; one is food allergies. These can be pinpointed by keeping a food journal and noting down which foods and preservatives have an adverse effect on the body. The second is seasonal allergens; these include substances like pollen or weeds which grow seasonally. Taking appropriate medication or restricting outdoor activities during that time can prove to be helpful. The third kind of allergens is environmental ones. These are usually dust mites, smoke or even chemicals like paints or insect repellants. If you are a smoker or live with people who smoke, it is a good idea to quit. Keep your living area and vehicles completely smoke-free. The dander from pets often triggers asthma so avoiding contact with them is a good idea too. Keep your surroundings as clean as possible by vacuuming often and dusting with a wet cloth. It is also a good idea to steer clear of chemicals, paints or anything that you feel could aggravate your asthma.
By keeping clear of these triggers and controlling their presence in your immediate environment, you can experience a marked change in your asthma attacks. Combine this with a healthy diet which is rich in wholesome foods and an exercise regiment that keeps you fit. This complete treatment plan can help you combat allergy-induced asthma and help you lead a full and productive life.






