Allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is a form of bronchial asthma. Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory disease in which sufferers experience shortness of breath and congestion. In allergic asthma, these breathing problems are triggered by allergens, for example pollen, house dust or animal hair. About 90 percent of all asthmatics suffer from allergic asthma. Even in children, the condition is often the result of other allergies.

Often, allergic asthma is the result of a pre-existing allergy. However, it can also occur directly as a violent overreaction to allergens. If an allergic rhinitis of the upper respiratory tract remains untreated for a long time, a so-called "floor change" can occur. That is, the breathing problems shift from the top down toward the bronchi and lungs.

Triggers for the violent attacks of shortness of breath are actually harmless substances, which the immune system perceives, however, as a dangerous enemy and sets an exaggerated defense reaction in motion. This causes inflammation of the lower airways, which causes severe allergy symptoms.

Translated, asthma means something like "wheezing" or "trepidation." That's exactly how an asthma attack feels:

• The chest feels like it's constricted.
• Breathing becomes difficult.
• The short breaths are accompanied by a whistling sound.
• Affected people begin to cough and gasp.
• Panic and fear of suffocation spreads.
• In an acute attack, heart palpitations and a bluish discoloration of the lips can also be added.

Narcasm and shortness of breath occur in an attack-like manner. An asthma attack can be over again after a few minutes, but can also last for hours. If a person with animal-hair-allergy enters a room where cats are present, the symptoms can occur suddenly and violently.

People with pollen allergy on the other hand, suffer from asthma outdoors. Since here the asthma attacks occur only during the pollen count in spring and summer, it is also called seasonal asthma.

Whoever suffers from hay fever, it is best to start therapy for the symptoms early. In addition, you should note the following:

• Avoid the allergens! Pollen allergy sufferers should stay outdoors, close the windows and clean the living rooms regularly. Vacuuming and mopping floors are also part of the daily ritual for house dust allergy allergy sufferers. Those allergic to animal dander should be sure to stay away from cats, dogs or horses. A mold allergy also poses an acute risk to health, so damp patches and patches of mold in living spaces should be eliminated.
• Avoid smoke in any form, as it can also trigger an asthma attack. Smokers are best to avoid cigarettes altogether. The same applies to people who live with in the asthmatic household.
• Who suffers from allergic asthma for the first time, should definitely seek early treatment from a doctor. Dealing with asthma requires practice and routine in order to react properly in an emergency. During an asthma attack, sufferers usually panic, which makes breathing problems even worse. Even if it's hard, the key is to stay calm. In an acute asthma attack, there is a danger to life, which is why an emergency transport to a clinic must take place.
• For acute treatment, inhalers come into question, which eliminate a narrowing of the airways. In addition, cortisone-like agents are used. A distinction is made between drugs that are taken for long-term therapy or as needed. Depending on the intensity of the symptoms, asthma is treated according to a graduated scheme.
• To be prepared for the next asthma attack, respiratory therapy should be performed. Here, affected people learn special breathing techniques that they can use in case of shortness of breath. During asthma training, they also learn how to use medication and inhaler correctly.

In the long term, specific immunotherapy (SIT) may not cure asthma, but it can have a positive effect. This is because the so-called hypo- or desensitization starts directly at the trigger of the breathing difficulties: the allergens. Step by step, over a period of usually three years, the body is accustomed to the allergen to which the immune system reacts excessively. In this way, the intensity of the symptoms can improve.

Allergic asthma should not be taken lightly by anyone. In any case, the quality of life suffers enormously from the constant fear of a possible attack. A violent asthma attack can even lead to suffocation in the worst case.

The more important it is to initiate appropriate treatment early on in the case of an existing allergy, with antiallergic nasal sprays, antiallergic eye drops, tablets or hypo- or desensitization. Because even mild hay fever can "change floors" and lead to serious allergic asthma.