Allergic asthma usually develops during childhood. What symptoms can occur and which treatment helps, we explain here.
What is allergic asthma?
Asthma is most commonly caused by allergies such as hay fever – that’s why it’s called allergic asthma. The mucous membrane of the bronchial tubes swells, mucus formation increases and the airways become narrower. It comes to coughing fits, tightness in the chest and shortness of breath. Allergic asthma can not heal so far – however hyposensitization and drug treatment can relieve allergy symptoms .
Mostly allergic asthma starts in childhood or early adolescence, but even in adults it can still lead to allergic reactions. With around 70 percent of all cases, allergic asthma is the most common form of so-called bronchial asthma.
What causes allergic asthma?
In allergic asthma the general cause is an allergy as already described. In addition to hay fever, the following diseases can trigger asthma:
- eczema
- Animal hair allergy or cat allergy
- House dust allergy
- Insect venom allergy
Allergy tests can be used to determine whether hypersensitivity is present.
Asthma – more causes
There is also a genetic factor – if a family member is already an asthmatic, it is more likely to become ill. Often, asthma develops after bronchitis, but environmental factors and exaggerated hygiene measures can be a trigger.
The special allergy case: allergic cold
Allergic colds and allergic asthma are also closely linked: the first may be the onset of asthma, as the allergic reaction of the mucous membranes in the nose can spread to the bronchi. Experts call this transition from the upper respiratory tract to the lower one “level change”.
Asthma attack: What are the symptoms of allergic asthma?
During an asthma attack , the following symptoms may occur:
- Strong, attack-like irritable cough, but also coughing with sputum
- Breathing sounds, z. B. Whistling while exhaling
- Tightness in the chest
- difficulty in breathing
Treatment: What helps with asthma?
As before, neither allergy nor asthma is completely curable. However, the symptoms can be alleviated by various methods. These include:
- Drug therapies
- Respiratory physiotherapy and breathing techniques
- Move
- smoking cessation
- Weight reduction in overweight