Have you noticed your asthma symptoms getting worse at different times of the year? Becoming familiar with seasonal allergy treatments is essential if you want to minimize asthma flare-ups and breathe easy. Unfortunately, environmental allergens are everywhere in North Texas and can be difficult to avoid completely. However, when equipped with the right knowledge, you can be prepared and keep your asthma under control.
How Do Environmental Allergies Impact Asthma Symptoms?
The link between environmental allergens and asthma is related to the immune system’s response to allergen exposure. Among the many symptoms of an allergic reaction are increased mucus production, tightening of the muscles around the airways, plus inflammation of the lining of the airways. For a person with asthma, these symptoms cause chest tightness, shortness of breath, coughing and wheezing, even a possible severe asthma attack.
Allergic sensitization is incredibly common among those with asthma, and affects approximately 80% of asthmatic children and 60% of asthmatic adults (according to data published by the National Library of Medicine). This ratio indicates that for most people with asthma, managing allergies effectively is an important component of lasting asthma care.
Common Environmental Allergens Affecting Asthma
Various environmental allergens can trigger allergic asthma symptoms. Allergy testing is important for identifying specific triggers, and these test results help your allergy specialist develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are some common environmental allergens that can affect asthma.
- Tree, grass and weed pollen could affect asthma throughout the year.
- Dust mites are found on bedding, carpets, blankets and warm environments in the home.
- Mold thrives in damp areas indoors and out, like bathrooms and piles of leaves.
- Pet dander from shedding animals may be found on furniture and bedding.
Exposure to these and other allergens could cause anything from mild breathing difficulties to severe asthma attacks.
Are Environmental Allergies the Cause of My Asthma Symptoms?
If you believe environmental allergies are affecting your asthma, it’s vital that you speak with an allergist. Testing is a safe and accurate way to gain insight into an allergy and how it impacts asthma. Used alongside symptom tracking and a health assessment, skin prick or blood tests can precisely identify the source of your worsening asthma.
How to Prevent Asthma Attacks From Environmental Allergies
After testing, your allergist can recommend a personalized asthma treatment plan that incorporates allergen avoidance. Using air filters, checking pollen counts, changes in cleaning habits (and so on) are just a few ways to avoid exposure. In addition, innovative treatments like allergy shots (immunotherapy) or allergy drops (SLIT) help build a tolerance to the allergens, reducing the likelihood of a reaction.
Environmental Allergy Care and Asthma Management in North Texas
If environmental allergies are exacerbating your asthma symptoms, TexasAllergyMD is here to help. We provide patient-centered allergy testing and treatment at locations in McKinney/Prosper and Southlake. Call (469) 375-1525 or request an appointment today.
