What is Allergic asthma?

Is a type of asthma that often seems to be triggered during allergy season at the time of abundance of allergens.

It has similar symptoms as to regular asthma ranging from coughing, wheezing, chest tightness to rapid breathing, shortness of breath.

It occurs due to overreaction of the immune system to harmless substances (allergens) such as (pollen, pet danger, dust mites, tobacco smoke, strong odors and chemical fumes) elevated level of IgE antibodies in this diseases makes the body extra sensitive to the slightest exposure to these allergens and immediately starting an allergic reaction that ends up causing hypertrophy and hyperplasia of bronchial smooth muscle, excessive mucus production, airway oedema and acute bronchoconstriction. It can be diagnosed by skin prick, spirometry, peak flow, lung function.

Allergy medications:

• Antihistamines: diphenhydramine, cetirizine.
• Immunomodulator/biological Medications: work by blocking the IgE antibodies (omalizumab).

• Leukotriene Modifiers: they block leukotriene receptors (montelukast, zafirlukast).
• Nasal Sprays and Sinus Medications: topical antihistamine (azelastine).
• Eye Drops: olopatadine eye-drop
• Allergic Emergency Medication: epinephrine shot.
• Topical Ointments & Creams: betamethasone cream
Asthma Medications:
• Inhaled Corticosteroids (Including Combination Inhalers): The most consistently effective
long-term control medication.(such as budesonide).
• Long-Acting Beta-Agonists (LABAs): Alone or in combination with inhaled corticosteroids. (such as salmeterol).
• Anticholinergics: Used as alternative controller medications (ipratropium).
• Leukotriene Modifiers: Used as alternative controller medications (montelukast).
• Immunomodulators: omalizumab.
Quick-relief medications: Take only as needed for symptom relief.
• Short-Acting Beta-Agonists (SABAs): relax airway muscles to give prompt relief of symptoms.(Albuterol)

Edited by: Dr.Pavel Jalal Hussein