Allergy vs Asthma Treatment Doctor Q&A
Allergies are reactions to an allergen that cause the body’s immune system to become hypersensitive, causing the body to respond as if it were attacked. Asthma is a respiratory illness that narrows the airways and makes breathing difficult. The difference between allergies and asthma is the reaction location, with nasal congestion and sneezing occurring in the nose and asthma symptoms in the lungs. At Columbia Clinic Urgent Care, our professionals offer asthma and allergy treatment. For more information, contact us or request an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you at Tibbetts St Portland, Stark Street Portland, and Tigard, OR. We also accept walk-ins.
Table of Contents:
What is the difference between asthma and allergies?
Can allergic asthma go away?
Does asthma have anything to do with allergies?
What are good questions to ask about asthma?
For many people all over the world, allergies are a disruptive part of day-to-day life. When allergies affect one’s ability to breathe normally, it’s called “allergic asthma,” a condition that can be personally and physically consuming if not managed appropriately.
We understand that allergies and asthma often coincide with each other, which is why the medical professionals at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care are trained to diagnose and treat both. If you’re looking for support in obtaining a diagnosis or would like to know about the treatments we offer that can improve your allergies, contact us today. We’re happy to help you down the road to happier and symptom-free living.
Allergies and asthma are similar in the sense that they’re both brought on by the immune system reacting to trigger substances such as pollen, mold, dust, or dander. However, the difference between allergies and asthma lies primarily in the location of the reaction.
For example, if the reaction happens in your eyes and nose, you’ll experience watering or red eyes, sneezing, and congestion. If the reaction happens somewhere in your pulmonary system, such as your lungs, then you’ll experience an asthma attack, including fits of coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
It’s still unclear why certain people experience allergies while others experience asthma. However, it should be noted that those with continuous allergies are at higher risk for developing allergic asthma, which is why it’s important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Allergies can be treated with home remedies, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications, and/or allergy shots. In comparison, asthma can be treated with medications that are administered through an inhaler.
Unfortunately, allergic asthma can’t be prevented. However, you can reduce your risk of experiencing symptoms and triggering an attack by knowing what allergens you’re sensitive to and making efforts to control your environment.
Certain treatment options, such as allergy shots, may also reduce your likelihood of experiencing allergic asthma symptoms. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider or an allergy doctor about ways that you can prevent and manage your symptoms and what medications are best for controlling your asthma.
When you experience an allergic reaction in your lungs or other areas of your pulmonary system, the result is often an asthma attack. This is commonly referred to as “allergic asthma,” which is characterized by your airways tightening in response to inhaling an allergen. The most common triggers for allergic asthma are pollen, dander, dust, and mold spores.
Those who suffer from chronic allergies are at higher risk of developing allergic asthma, so it’s important to consult an allergy physician as soon as you start noticing allergy-related symptoms.
When you book an appointment to see a doctor about your asthma, it’s important to ask any questions that you may have regarding your diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It’s often recommended that you write down your questions before your appointment to avoid forgetting something important.
Consider asking your doctor the following questions during your next visit:
● What is asthma?
● What is the cause of my asthma?
● How can I reduce my risk of having an asthma attack?
● What testing will I need to monitor my asthma?
● What kind of inhaler do I need?
● How do I use my inhaler?
● What forms of asthma treatment are available to me?
● Am I able to exercise with asthma?
● What do I do if I’m having an asthma attack?
● How do I best manage my asthma?
● How do I reduce my asthma triggers?
● Could factors in my home or workplace be making me sick?
● What other changes can I make to improve my asthma?
Understanding your condition is the best way to safeguard your health as you move through your day-to-day activities.
If you have questions about your allergies or your asthma, contact the experienced professionals at Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. We are here to provide the quality care and informational resources that you need to get back to feeling your best. Contact us today or book an appointment online. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Aloha OR, Tigard OR, Lake Oswego OR, Tualatin OR, Oregon City OR.