Asthma and allergy go hand in hand

Asthma and allergy go hand in hand

Dealing with asthma can be tough and even tougher when it’s coupled with an allergy.  The double whammy can make spring a challenging time. Now, a study finds that the majority of people with asthma are in this exact situation.

The report published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, found that almost two-thirds of the nearly 25 million Americans with asthma also have an allergy.

Asthma is a disorder that causes the airways of the lungs to swell and narrow, leading to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing.

Asthma can affect people of all ages but usually starts in childhood according to the National Institutes of Health. About 7 million children in the U.S. have asthma.

Researchers found that a whopping 75 percent of asthmatic adults aged 20 to 40-years-old, and 65 percent of asthmatic adults aged 55 years and older, have at least one allergy. More than 2,500 adults responded to a national survey that included questions about 19 different allergens.

“Allergists have known the prevalence of allergies among asthmatic children is high at 60 to 80 percent, but it was thought allergies were not as common in asthmatic adults,” said study leader Dr. Paula Busse, in a news release.

The study’s authors hope the new report raises awareness about the combination of asthma and allergies and leads to more effective treatments.

“Both asthma and allergies can strike at any age, and are serious diseases,” said allergist Richard Weber, MD, American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), president. “Anyone who thinks they may be having symptoms of an allergy or asthma should see a board-certified allergist. Allergists are experts in diagnosing and treating both conditions.”

The ACAAI says an increasing number of people are developing allergies with more than 50 million Americans affected. It’s not good news, they say.

“It could be one of many creating this perfect storm for allergies,” said Dr. Weber. “Other factors, such as the hygiene hypothesis, climate change and an increase in awareness and education can also be reasons for this growth.”

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Comments

6 Comments

  1. Such a tough time of the year for those with allergies!!! I have to always keep some allegra or zyrtec with me in the spring and summer time.

  2. antoinette charak May 12, 2014 at 1:52 pm · Reply

    I have noticed how bad my allergies are this year. They say it is due to the bad winter we had. My husband has asthma and his allergies are especially bad right now. I discovered too that if you take the medication before the seaseon gets bad it seems to help a lot. Sometime if you take the medication duting a rough bout they don’t work as well.

  3. Ann Adlington

    I always had allergies and eczema and developed asthma later as a young adult. My doctor told me that they all 3 go hand in hand. Lucky me. Fortunately my children seem to be free of allergies and asthma.

  4. This is definitely true for me but since I’ve been on allergy drops (for more than a year) I have noticed things are starting to get better. Thanks to Dr. Alvi!

  5. I have allergic reactions to various foods for long years. Later my doctor prescribed PREDNISOLONE after taking this medication now i feel better.

  6. Asthma: Internationaldrugmart.com The sources are almost the same as respiratory allergies besides odors and chemicals. When the allergens are inhaled, the lungs and airways get inflamed.

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health enews Staff
health enews Staff

health enews staff is a group of experienced writers from our Advocate Health Care and Aurora Health Care sites, which also includes freelance or intern writers.