All About Allergies and Asthma
Around the world respiratory diseases such as allergies and asthma are serious health burden. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) it is estimated that more than 300 million people are affected by asthma and millions by allergies. As we see the prevalence of allergies and asthma cases grows, and watch as thousands of people die every year from asthma, we also have to be cognizant that there is a need for new and more effective therapies.
Although any change of season or weather condition can actually influence the recurrence of symptoms of allergies and asthma, spring is often considered the season associated with allergies. A drop in temperature is enough to spark such respiratory problem for many people. This is due mainly to the fact that as humidity drops, the air becomes drier and dry air is more likely to irritate the hypersensitive respiratory system, therefore asthmatic people usually suffer from an attack when humidity gets low.
The underlying problem that influences allergy and asthma is actually innate even though most people think that the disorder is influenced by external conditions. Both allergy and asthma develop when a particular part of the immune system is out of balance. The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against infections and to keep it healthy. At the same time if the immune system mistakes something that is harmless as allergy being a threat. Because the immune system perceives the thing as something foreign and harmful, it creates a strong inflammatory response in an attempt to “protect” the body from it. This inflammatory response is exactly what produces the symptoms of allergy such as runny nose, coughing, hives, itching, rashes, and puffy eyes. In asthma, this inflammatory process manifests in the form of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezes, or cough.
Although any change of season or weather condition can actually influence the recurrence of symptoms of allergies and asthma, spring is often considered the season associated with allergies. A drop in temperature is enough to spark such respiratory problem for many people. This is due mainly to the fact that as humidity drops, the air becomes drier and dry air is more likely to irritate the hypersensitive respiratory system, therefore asthmatic people usually suffer from an attack when humidity gets low.
The underlying problem that influences allergy and asthma is actually innate even though most people think that the disorder is influenced by external conditions. Both allergy and asthma develop when a particular part of the immune system is out of balance. The main function of the immune system is to protect the body against infections and to keep it healthy. At the same time if the immune system mistakes something that is harmless as allergy being a threat. Because the immune system perceives the thing as something foreign and harmful, it creates a strong inflammatory response in an attempt to “protect” the body from it. This inflammatory response is exactly what produces the symptoms of allergy such as runny nose, coughing, hives, itching, rashes, and puffy eyes. In asthma, this inflammatory process manifests in the form of shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezes, or cough.
|
It is best to seek professional advice from a certified allergist if climatic changes are affecting your abilities to participate in outdoor activities. Education on medication and therapies are great ways in which you can monitor and manage your allergies and asthma. Medication may not always be the perfect solution, so it is very important that you become equipped with the correct knowledge so that you can take a proactive approach to avoid allergy and asthma flare-ups. Here are some proactive approach to your asthma and allergic episodes;
1 ) Find out what causes your immune system to react. Determine what influences your asthma or allergies. Become informed about emergency medication, find out how and when to |
take them in the event of an emergency(from a medical professional).
2 ) Good Housekeeping
Ensure that your house is kept clean at all times. If possible have someone else do this task as cleaning puts dust in the air if not wear a mask. Keep clutters away by storing in drawers, plastic or boxes instead of piles as clutters kept in tacks collects dust and make cleaning harder.
2 ) Good Housekeeping
Ensure that your house is kept clean at all times. If possible have someone else do this task as cleaning puts dust in the air if not wear a mask. Keep clutters away by storing in drawers, plastic or boxes instead of piles as clutters kept in tacks collects dust and make cleaning harder.
3 ) Control Household Pests
Dust mites are a common trigger of allergies and asthma. To avoid exposure to dust mites, use zippered plastic mattress and special anti-allergy pillow covers beneath sheets and pillowcases. Also, don’t forget to wash bedding in hot water every week. Temperatures above 130 degrees Fahrenheit are effective in killing dust mites.
Rodents and cockroaches can also trigger asthma and allergies. To keep these pests away, store food in tightly sealed containers, empty your garbage often, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, wash dirty dishes right away, and seal cracks where these pests hide or enter your home.
4 ) Avoid Having Pets inside the Home
Dust mites are a common trigger of allergies and asthma. To avoid exposure to dust mites, use zippered plastic mattress and special anti-allergy pillow covers beneath sheets and pillowcases. Also, don’t forget to wash bedding in hot water every week. Temperatures above 130 degrees Fahrenheit are effective in killing dust mites.
Rodents and cockroaches can also trigger asthma and allergies. To keep these pests away, store food in tightly sealed containers, empty your garbage often, clean up crumbs and spills immediately, wash dirty dishes right away, and seal cracks where these pests hide or enter your home.
4 ) Avoid Having Pets inside the Home
Furry pets such as cats and dogs can cause asthma episodes because of dander. It is best to either totally avoid having pets or do not allow them in the house at all. However, if you do allow your pet in the house it must be kept away from the bedroom or upholstered furniture.
Millions of people suffer badly from allergies and asthma. It is among the major causes for absenteeism among children in school and being in the hospital. It causes wheezing, coughing, difficulty of breathing, and tightening of the chest. Allergies, on the other hand, cause uncomfortable symptoms such as runny nose, itching, and rash. Asthma and allergy tend to make breathing rather difficult for the sufferer. The good news is, if properly monitored both conditions can be controlled as long as you know what triggers them and how you can avoid them.
Millions of people suffer badly from allergies and asthma. It is among the major causes for absenteeism among children in school and being in the hospital. It causes wheezing, coughing, difficulty of breathing, and tightening of the chest. Allergies, on the other hand, cause uncomfortable symptoms such as runny nose, itching, and rash. Asthma and allergy tend to make breathing rather difficult for the sufferer. The good news is, if properly monitored both conditions can be controlled as long as you know what triggers them and how you can avoid them.