Allergic Asthma: Control Matters More Than "Medication During Attacks"

What is allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory reaction of the airways to allergens. Common triggers include house dust mite, pollen, pet dander, and mould. Typical signs are repeated episodes of wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing, which get worse at night or in the early morning, and are more obvious after contact with allergens, cold air, respiratory infections, or exercise.

Often appears together with rhinitis

Asthma often runs in families with a history of allergy, and is closely linked to allergic rhinitis — in clinical practice, many people with asthma also have rhinitis. When rhinitis is not well controlled, asthma is often harder to keep stable, so the two need to be managed together.

Goals of management

Asthma needs long-term management. The goals are: a clear reduction in how often attacks happen, daily activities and exercise not limited, and lung function kept stable. This depends on three things — avoiding triggers, proper treatment, and regular follow-up — not on waiting until symptoms get worse to act.

What you can do day to day

• Identify and record your own triggers (allergens, infection, intense exercise, emotional ups and downs)
• Use medicines as set out in the plan your doctor makes, and do not reduce the dose or stop on your own
• Work with your doctor to make a plan for what to do during an attack, and make sure your family knows it
• Strictly avoid tobacco environments (including second-hand and third-hand smoke); smoky environments clearly make airway inflammation worse

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice. For specifics, please follow your doctor's instructions.