If you have asthma, there’s a chance that pollen, mold, and other allergens trigger flare-ups for you. That’s because allergy-related asthma, known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma, is the most common form of this respiratory condition, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology. Determining whether your asthma is allergy-related, and then pinpointing which allergens trigger symptoms, are key.
How Allergies Affect Asthma
Asthma is inflammation of the airways. It’s unclear whether asthma makes allergies worse, but allergies can worsen asthma. With allergic asthma, airway inflammation typically occurs in response to inhaling an allergen.
If you breathe in a substance that you’re allergic to, your immune system kicks into high gear and produces antibodies called immunoglobulin E, or IgE. This triggers the body’s release of chemical mediators which irritate the airways, triggering asthma symptoms.
Allergens That Can Trigger Asthma Symptoms
Several allergens, some of which occur seasonally, can lead to asthma flare-ups, including:
- Dust
- Mold
- Pet dander
- Pollen from grass, trees and other plants
- Waste from household pests, such as mice or cockroaches
According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, your asthma risk is linked to your number of allergies. The more allergies you have, the greater your risk for asthma.
Symptoms of Allergic Asthma
Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, but it’s not the only one. Another type is non-allergic asthma, with triggers including air pollution, tobacco smoke, cold air and household cleaning products. Chemicals inhaled at work can trigger a type of asthma called occupational asthma. You can also have exercise-induced asthma.
Various types of asthma have different triggers but share the same symptoms. These include:
- Chest tightness
- Coughing, which is more likely to occur in the morning or at night
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
When to Seek Help for Allergies and Asthma
An allergy to pollen or other common allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, including a runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing. Moreover, allergies can disrupt your life, leading you to avoid outdoor activities or affecting your willingness to get together with friends and family. That’s why it’s important to seek treatment for allergies if symptoms interfere with your daily activities or if you’re having trouble managing them on your own.
Start by seeing your primary care provider, who may be a medical doctor, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. Your provider can help identify your allergy triggers so you can avoid them. A variety of medications are available to treat allergies, and your provider can prescribe one to help you manage your symptoms.
Your provider’s office is also a good place to start if you experience asthma symptoms—and the sooner you seek care, the better. If left untreated, asthma can cause airway damage and can lead to frequent or severe asthma attacks, which can be dangerous.
Your provider may be able to diagnose and treat asthma, or they may refer you to a pulmonary care specialist who can partner with you to create an asthma action plan. Your plan may include medicines to treat asthma attacks and reduce the risk of them occurring. There is a class of medications used in pulmonology: anti-IgE and anti-eosinophilia. These do an excellent job of reducing allergic asthma symptoms and flare-ups. Make sure to ask your provider about the newest treatments for allergic asthma.
If you have asthma, your provider may recommend allergy testing to pinpoint allergens that trigger symptoms. That knowledge is powerful—once you know what substances cause problems for you, you can take steps to avoid them. Steering clear of your triggers may go a long way toward helping you control asthma.
More to Read
- When Is Allergy Season? That Depends on Your Allergy
- COPD and Allergies
- Is It A Cold, Sinus Infection or Allergies?
- Everything You Need to Know About Spring Allergies
- How to Combat Fall Allergies
Medically reviewed by Jason Heavner, MD.
