People who have certain kinds of allergies are more likely to
have asthma. Do you have allergies that affect your nose and eyes,
causing stuff like a runny nose or red, itchy eyes? If so,
you're more likely to have asthma, too. Whatever causes the
allergic reaction, such as pollen or dust, can also trigger asthma
symptoms.
But not everyone who has allergies gets asthma, and not all
asthma happens because of allergies. Huh? Allergies and asthma
can
be a little confusing, so let's find out more.
About 9 million kids in the United States have been diagnosed
with asthma. Of these, about three out of four have asthma symptoms
that are triggered by an allergy to something (called an
allergen
). In these people, the symptoms of asthma like wheezing, coughing,
or trouble breathing are often brought on by being around
allergens.
Allergies have a lot to do with your immune (say: ih-
myoon
) system. Most of the time your immune system fights germs and
bacteria to help you stay healthy. But in a kid with allergies, the
immune system treats allergens (such as
pollen
) as if they're invading the body, like a bad germ.
When the immune system reacts to an invading allergen, the body
releases substances that cause allergy symptoms, such as a runny
nose or red, itchy eyes. Some kids can also get asthma symptoms,
like coughing, wheezing, or a tight feeling in the chest.
If you have asthma, it is a good idea to find out whether
allergies may be causing your asthma symptoms. To figure out what
they're allergic to, sometimes kids will visit a special doctor
called an
allergist
(say:
ah
-lur-jist).
If the allergist finds out that you are allergic to certain
things, the best way to prevent allergic reactions (and to help
stop asthma symptoms from bugging you) is to avoid being around the
allergens. The doctor may also prescribe medicine for your
allergies, if you can't completely avoid what's causing
them.
Reviewed by:
Elana Pearl Ben-Joseph, MD
Date reviewed: June 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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