Asthma Allergies

Any asthma attack is always alarming. Although not always fatal, the wheezing and difficulty in breathing can bring about such discomfort that it worsens the attack even more. Childhood asthma is perhaps one of the most common types of asthma and is one of the primary reasons for missed school days in young boys and girls. Childhood asthma has been linked to maternal smoking. Continued exposure to smoke is also another factor that contributes to the development of childhood asthma in children. Although asthma allergies are worrisome, they can be placed under control with proper management and effective avoidance of the allergy triggers.

Causes of Asthma Allergies

The primary causes of allergic asthma are allergens, substances that trigger an allergic reaction such as pollen, dust or animal dander. Individuals who have allergies from these triggers usually do well by avoiding these allergens the next time around. Other triggers include exercise, viral infections, cold wind, air, rain and sudden changes in the weather.

Symptoms of Asthma Allergies

Wheezing is the most common symptom of asthma allergies. Other symptoms include breathing changes, moodiness, headache, runny nose, chin or throat itching, fatigue, trouble sleeping and intolerance to exercise. The asthma cough is also another sign of asthma allergies. This usually happens at night and is often accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing and chest pain or pressure. Persons who notice the early warning signs of asthma allergies such as shortness of breath, wheezing, fatigue and runny nose should take asthma medications right away to prevent a worsening of the symptoms.

Symptoms of worsening asthma allergies include a cough that refuses to go away after a few days with medication, tightness in the chest and poor response to regular asthma medications called bronchodilators. Severe symptoms of asthma require emergency medical care. These include severe wheezing, very rapid breathing, a cough that won't stop, chest pain, inability to exhale, and blue lips and fingernails. A change in nail or lip color indicates that the person is no longer taking in oxygen and requires emergency oxygenation. When not properly treated some cases of allergic asthma can result to death.