Asthma and Allergy Guide

According to a recent health survey in the US, there are a high ratio of illness that are directly associated with allergies and, in particular, asthma. One in 5 of the population suffer from some type of illness directly linked to food, skin or breathing (e.g. asthma) allergies.

What causes allergies?

An allergy occurs when the body over-reacts to a substance. These substances (called allergens) can be anything such as dust mites, pollen, latex, insect stings, nuts etc. All of these substances are pretty harmless but sometimes the human body gets it wrong and incorrectly identifies harmless substances as harmful.

If a substance is considered to be harmful, the body discharges chemicals to fight the substance(s). These chemicals are a natural part of the body’s immune system and are called histamines. Unfortunately, histamines can cause unwelcome side effects such as skin rashes or difficulty breathing.

Who gets allergies?

Anyone can develop allergies at any time. However, certain groups of people are more susceptible to allergies. Groups most at risk of developing allergies are:

• Infants and toddlers
• Teenagers
• Pregnant women
• The elderly
• Anyone with a persistent illness

Generally, the weaker or more immature the immune system, the greater the risk of developing allergies.

Asthma

Asthma is a common allergy that affects many people. Asthma is a lifelong disorder that causes inflammation of the lungs and airways which are then susceptible to exposure of allergens such as smoke, pollution and cold air. These allergens cause a reaction in the airways and lungs that cause linings to expand and reduction of breathing capacity in the airways and lungs.

Asthma symptoms

Severe reduction in airway capacity can result in the lungs not being able to breathe properly and can be life threatening if not dealt with swiftly. Symptoms include:

• Feeling of tightness in the chest
• Coughing and wheezing
• Struggling to catch breath
• Loss of ability to breathe

Managing asthma

There is no cure for asthma and it is a lifelong disorder. However, the susceptibility to chronic asthma attacks can be reduced by management:

• Always carry medication / inhaler – The onset of asthma can be unexpected and severe. Asthma sufferers must always have medication immediately available to deal with the initial stages of airway constriction.
• General health – exercise and a healthy diet improve the immune system and reduce the risk of chronic and unexpected asthma attacks
• Avoid known allergens – such as smoke, cold air, pollution. Many asthma suffers have gone as far as moving out of polluted cities to reduce exposure to allergens.