World Asthma Day is celebrated every year on the 3rd May to spread awareness about asthma so that this chronic respiratory condition can be controlled.

What you need to know:

What is asthma?

What is allergic asthma?

Which allergens can trigger asthma?

4 myths associated with allergic asthma

What is asthma?

Asthma is a condition in which a person’s airways become inflamed and narrow, and the linings of your airway become swollen, preventing air from flowing freely. During an asthma attack, your body produces extra thick mucus which clogs the airways, making breathing difficult. Asthma ranges from either being minor or being so severe that it interferes with your routine life.

What is allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is a breathing condition wherein the airways you breathe through tighten upon inhaling an allergen. Allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma – a condition where asthma and allergies coexist. Along with the asthma symptoms which primarily consist of wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness, you may also face the common allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itchy eyes.

Which allergens can trigger asthma?

Allergens like dust mites, pollen, animal dander (from hair, feather, or skin), or mold spores cause an allergic reaction when breathed deep into the lungs. In case these irritants do not lead to allergic asthma, they can still cause asthma attacks. Other triggers include air pollution, strong chemical odors or fumes, the strong fragrances of perfumes, scented candles, air fresheners, smoke from tobacco or incense, cold air, and exercising in cold air.

4 myths associated with allergic asthma

There are certain myths surrounding allergic asthma. Read on to debunk those and get a clearer understanding.

Myth 1: There is a simple test to detect allergic asthma.

False. Getting diagnosed with allergic asthma is a multiple-step process, wherein asthma and allergies are tested separately. Your doctor might also take into consideration certain pulmonary or breathing tests to determine that the breathing symptoms stem from asthma. Allergy testing is not conclusive. An overlap in allergies means having one type of allergy can predispose you to other types of allergies, making them difficult to detect.

Myth 2: Allergic asthma occurs just once a year.

False. Allergic asthma is not just seasonal that occurs once a year. It is advisable to limit your time spent outside, especially during dry and windy days. Depending upon your surroundings and the changing climatic conditions, take necessary precautions. Take your long-term and short-term medications regularly to prevent allergy-induced asthma.

Myth 3: Allergic asthma is not that serious.

False. You cannot underestimate the impact that allergic asthma can have on you. Owing to allergic asthma, some people are more susceptible to viral infections (like pneumonia). If you have chronic inflammation for a long time along with chronic asthma, then it can cause serious lung damage.

Myth 4: Allergies and asthma are curable.

False. There is no conducive treatment available at the moment for asthma and allergies. Immunotherapy or allergy shots are an effective way to treat your allergies. However, not every person responds to this treatment. Keep your rescue inhaler handy for immediate relief during emergencies.

You can check if your asthma is safely under control by answering a few questions on our online Asthma Control Questionnaire. For more information on nutrition or fitness, tune in to the Activ Living Page.