Asthma And Allergies - What's The Difference?

Today it is becoming increasingly difficult to figure out the difference between asthma and allergies. The reason for this is because both have become so much more prevalent in recent times. With increasing pollution, smoke and dust creeping into the areas that we work and live, it's not hard to see why so many people seem to be wheezing, coughing and blowing their nose on a daily basis. It is also not uncommon to see people using the words allergy and asthma rather loosely.

So is there really a difference between the two? The answer is yes. While many allergies may exhibit symptoms which are similar to an asthma attack, they are both very different things. Treating an allergy like asthma might seem harmless when describing your condition to someone, but it's important to note that their medical treatments are very different. If you suffer from asthma but treat it with allergy medication, you could find yourself experiencing little in the way of relief along with a number of side effects.

The best way to understand and appreciate the difference between allergies and asthma is by understanding a bit more about both the conditions and how they have originated. Asthma is a lifelong condition that has no cure. It usually begins in childhood and is caused when the airways become constricted; this usually occurs because they are hypersensitive. This constriction and subsequent inflammation can lead to mucous expulsion through coughing, wheezing and gasping for air.

 

Allergies on the other hand are reactions to things that are otherwise harmless to other people. These reactions are stimulated by the immune system and are often triggered by things like pollen, dust or certain kinds of food. When the body senses these substances, it immediately releases antibodies in order to combat the allergens. It is the release of these chemicals into the bloodstream that causes symptoms like a runny nose, coughing and watery eyes.

Asthma and allergies do however share a certain relationship. In many cases, it is the allergies that act as a trigger in setting off an asthma attack. For instance, allergies which affect the nose, eyes or throat are very likely to trigger an asthma attack. However, it is important to note that not all allergies work in this way. Some allergies affect the skin or other parts of the body, like food allergies. These are less likely to trigger any kind of asthma attack at all.

 

So how does this link between asthma and allergies help? For asthmatics who only suffer mild attacks, it can be very beneficial to take allergy shots on a regular basis. These have been known to desensitize the asthmatic to a certain extent and as a result, help to tackle asthma attacks. It also helps to keep your living and working area as trigger-free as possible. Certain fabrics and carpets as well as pets can trigger allergies and asthma so it's a good idea to avoid being around those. Keeping away from smoking and those who smoke is another good way of avoiding an asthma trigger.

 

Remember that asthma and allergies are two different things. Though on a superficial level they may seem similar, their relationship is at best a weak one. Allergies do not always develop asthmatic symptoms and asthma is not always caused by allergy triggers. Those who suffer from either condition should not think they can be treated either way. Asthma and allergies are two different things and should be treated as such.