Common asthma triggers

Asthma is most commonly triggered by "colds" (viral respiratory infections), or inhaled allergens such as dust mites, pollens, or pet danders.   However, many children and adults with asthma find that intense exertion will also trigger chest tightness or cough due to asthma, especially running for long distances.  Breathing very cold or very hot air, especially if under dry or windy conditions, will also frequently trigger bronchospasm, as will any type of irritant that is inhaled (smoke, paint fumes, perfume scents, etc.); sometimes a frozen drink or ice cream will be the trigger.

Once a trigger is identified, there are ways to avoid it or to at least control the situation.  Your allergist can help identify the triggers that are important to you, and advise on safe options for preventing future asthma attacks. 

Common foods that cause allergic reactions

Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but only 8 types of foods cause 90% of reactions -- cow's milk, soybean, egg, wheat, peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish.  

Tricky childhood symptoms of sinus infection

No, it's not a headache, stuffy nose, or even green mucus -- though these can accompany an infection of the sinuses.  The most common symptoms of a sinus infection in a child are a wet, mucusy cough, often along with vomiting of mucus.  While these can happen with a garden-variety "cold", or viral respiratory infection, symptoms will generally linger much longer when there is a true bacterial sinus infection present.  Be sure to check with your child's doctor if these symptoms continue beyond 7-10 days with no sign of improvement.

If your child has asthma, keep in mind that a sinus infection can trigger an asthma flare-up, and may require earlier diagnosis and treatment. 

Think you have a Penicillin allergy?

Think you have a Penicillin allergy, but not sure?  South Bay Allergy & Asthma can allergy skin test you to Penicillin, with results the same day.  

Many adults with a vague history of developing a rash or other adverse reaction to a penicillin type antibiotic as a child may actually be unnecessarily avoiding penicillins that could be ideal for treatment of a variety of bacterial infections.   While we would not recommend trying penicillin again if there was a history of a severe reaction such as anaphylaxis, this may be an option for patients with a history of milder reactions such as a rash or itchy skin.  For those with more severe allergies to multiple antibiotics, it is possible to desensitize to a particular antibiotic if it becomes critically needed for treatment of a severe infection.  

What Happens in a Nasal Allergy Attack?

Allergy Causes:
Allergy triggers can be anywhere. Pollen, ragweed, grass, pet dander, dust mites, and mold are some of the most common allergens. People who have allergies have an immune system that is sensitive to one or more of these usually harmless substances.

Allergens: The Invader

Normally your immune system targets and protects you against threats like viruses and bacteria. But if you're allergic to pollen, for example, your immune system sees pollen as a threat. So when you're exposed to pollen, your immune system is ready to fight.

What Triggers an Allergy

It’s easy to come in contact with allergens. Chasing after dust bunnies, playing with your pet, or just walking out the door during allergy season can do it. An allergic reaction is set in motion by touching, swallowing, or inhaling an allergen.

Your Immune System Reacts

Pollen (magnified above) can get caught in the lining of your nose and trachea, or windpipe. Once an allergen, such as pollen, enters your body, your immune system reacts and starts making antibodies that help look for and then get rid of the pollen.

Allergic Response: Histamine Release

When antibodies find an allergen, they alert mast cells. These specialized blood cells release chemicals such as histamine, which plays a key role in inflammation and allergy symptoms. A runny nose, swelling in the nasal passages, and congestion can result.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies tend to run in families. Having a parent with allergies or asthma puts you at greater risk. When one parent has allergies, about 25% of the time the child will develop them, too. When both parents are allergic, that risk at least doubles. What you develop an allergy to also depends on your exposure to triggers. Some allergies can take years to develop.

Preventing Allergies

Avoid triggers when possible to prevent allergy attacks. That may mean checking pollen or mold reports before heading outside. If levels are high, consider wearing a mask. During allergy season, showering before going to bed helps you avoid sleeping with pollen trapped in your hair. Also keep windows closed and run the air conditioner. Vacuuming twice a week can help cut down on allergens.

 

Treating Allergies

Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, eye drops, and nasal sprays also may help control symptoms and provide allergy relief. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor about which might help you.

When to See an Allergist

If you don't know what's causing your allergies, or if they're severe, an allergy doctor can help. An allergist or immunologist will take your medical history and may perform allergy tests. One type -- a patch test -- is shown here. Tests expose you to possible allergens to see which ones cause a reaction. Depending on your allergies, prescription medications or immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended.

Source: WebMD

Can asthma be prevented?

Recent studies would suggest that by reducing a child's exposure to allergy triggers, not only are you helping get rid of annoying nasal symptoms like a stuffy, runny, itchy nose, but you may be preventing the development of asthma. 

Researchers describe the progression of symptoms from skin allergies (eczema) in babies to nasal allergies in toddlers and kindergarteners (allergic rhinitis) to asthma in older children as "the atopic march".  This tends to happen when there is continuing exposure to things that the child is allergic to, such as dust mites or pollens.  The better the environmental control of these allergens, the less likely symptoms will progress to more severe conditions such as asthma.

10 Signs Your Allergies Are Out of Control.

Sign #1: The Allergic Salute

You vacuum with a HEPA filter. You stay indoors when the pollen count is high. You take medications as directed. But do you really have your allergy symptoms under control? If you're constantly doing the "allergic salute," the answer is probably no. This gesture -- a swipe at the tip of an itchy, runny nose -- is especially common in children

Sign #2: Raccoon Eyes

Dark circles under watery eyes are another sign of allergies run amok. The circles may result from frequent rubbing of itchy eyes. Fortunately, itching, tearing, sneezing, and a runny nose can all be relieved with antihistamines. If you already take this type of medication, check with your doctor about adjusting your dosing schedule.

Sign #3: Chronic Congestion

A stuffy nose usually lasts a week or two when a cold or flu is to blame. If congestion goes on and on, allergies are a more likely suspect. During an allergic reaction, the lining of your nasal passages may swell and produce excess mucus. This can cause sinus pressure and headaches. Decongestants can provide short-term relief. For a long-term plan of action, consider coming to South Bay Allergy and Asthma.

Sign #4: Wheezing

Wheezing is often associated with asthma, but it can also signal a serious allergic reaction. The characteristic whistling sound occurs when air passes through narrowed airways. In severe cases, obstruction of airflow requires emergency care. You should be evaluated and monitored by your doctor if you have wheezing related to allergies.

Sign #5: Itchy Skin

Itching may just be a sign of dry skin. But when it's persistent, and especially when it's accompanied by a rash, eczema may be to blame. Eczema is a type of skin reaction that's common in people with allergies. Triggers may include soap or detergent, pet dander, and coarse materials. Antihistamines, moisturizers, and hydrocortisone cream can help soothe flares.

Sign #6: Hives

Hives are hard to miss. These pale red welts tend to itch, and they can last from several hours to several days. Often, they're caused by an allergic reaction to some type of food, medication, or insect sting. Antihistamines are usually effective for immediate relief. Steroids may be needed in some cases. But the best solution is to identify and avoid the trigger.

Sign #7: Insomnia

Itching, congestion, post-nasal drip, sinus pain -- allergy-related symptoms can be tough on sleep. Symptoms like coughing or wheezing may wake you up, and a stuffed nose may make it hard to fall asleep. Some allergy drugs can also disrupt a good night's sleep. Trouble sleeping is one sign that it may be time to ask your doctor about changing your allergy treatment regimen.

Sign #8: Trouble Concentrating

You may find it hard to concentrate when your eyes are tearing, your nose is dripping, and you've been up all night. In addition, some over-the-counter antihistamines may make you feel foggy. If you find your job performance, home life, or relationships are suffering because of allergies, don't hesitate to tell your doctor. It may be time to discuss your treatment options.

Sign #9: Fatigue

Allergies can deal a triple-whammy to your energy level. First, your symptoms can affect the quality of your sleep. Second, allergies involve a chronic overreaction of the immune system, which can cause fatigue. Third, some antihistamines cause drowsiness. Some newer antihistamines or other medications may be less likely to cause drowsiness; ask your pharmacist for help.

Sign #10: Depression

Do you feel blue whenever your allergies flare? Some research points to a biological connection between allergies and mood changes. The National Institute of Mental Health is studying the link between seasonal allergies and depression. Although we can't prove that allergies cause people to feel depressed, there are effective treatments for depression, so be sure to let your doctor know if you feel down.

Source: WebMD

e cases, prescription medications are available.