Allergy-Induced Asthma
Allergy-induced asthma is asthma in which the airways react to an allergen the person has become sensitized to, so breathing in that allergen sets off symptoms. It is diagnosed and treated at Asthma & Allergy Care, P.C. across our New Jersey offices.
Common Triggers
The most common triggers are pollen, dust mites, mold and animal dander. Breathing in any of these can be enough to set off symptoms in someone whose airways have become sensitized to them.
These same allergens are the ones covered in more detail on our seasonal and indoor allergies page, which explains where each one comes from and how exposure can be reduced.
Symptoms
Symptoms often follow a pattern tied to the season, or to being in a particular place, such as a house with a pet. Recognizing that pattern is often the first sign that an allergy is behind the breathing trouble.
Wheezing
Breathlessness
Chest tightness and coughing
Nose and eye symptoms of the allergy itself, such as sneezing, congestion, or itchy, watery eyes
Why the Pattern Matters
Noticing when and where symptoms happen is what points toward an allergic cause. Asthma that flares during pollen season, or every time someone visits a home with a cat, is telling you something about what is behind it.
This pattern is often the most useful thing a patient brings to the appointment. It gives us a starting point for testing, rather than beginning from scratch.
How We Diagnose It
Diagnosis starts with a detailed history: when your symptoms happen, what seems to bring them on, and how they behave over time. That conversation guides everything that follows.
We then use allergy skin testing or blood testing to identify exactly what you react to, and pulmonary function testing to measure the effect on your lungs.
Together, these steps let us confirm both the allergy and its effect on your breathing, rather than assume a connection between them.
How We Treat It
Our approach to treating allergy-induced asthma includes:
Managing Medication
We help you manage your asthma medication so it fits your day-to-day life.
Identifying and Avoiding the Allergens Involved
We work with you to identify the allergens involved and how to reduce your exposure to them.
Allergen Immunotherapy, Where Appropriate
Where it is appropriate, allergen immunotherapy, given as injections, may be part of your treatment.
An Individual Treatment Plan
We build a treatment plan specific to you and review it with you over time.