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What is Allergic Asthma?

Allergic or extrinsic asthma is the most common type of asthma and results from breathing in certain allergens and irritants that cause an allergic reaction and asthma attack. Allergic asthma can affect anyone at any age, but children are more likely to suffer from this inflammatory condition. Researchers believe that both hereditary and environmental factors are responsible for allergic asthma.

In people with allergic asthma, the over-sensitive airway passages to the lungs become inflamed and the surrounding muscles constrict (tighten) when an allergen or irritant is inhaled. This in turn triggers asthma symptoms.

Allergic Asthma Symptoms

Symptoms are Similar to Non-Allergic Asthma and include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid breathing

What Causes Allergic Asthma?

Allergic asthma is caused by inhaling specific allergens and irritants that set off an allergic reaction and asthma symptoms. In people without asthma, these allergens and irritants are often harmless and cause no response; however, in people with allergic asthma, their hyper-sensitive immune systems think that they are harmful substances.

We all have small amounts of an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), but a person with allergic asthma produces large amounts of the antibody when an allergen comes into contact with the airways. IgE then activates other cells to release chemical mediators, such as histamine, which cause inflammation and constriction of the airways. The allergic reaction, from how the body responds to an allergen to the manifestation of symptoms, is a complex chain of events that scientists often refer to as the "allergic cascade."

What are common allergic asthma triggers?

Allergic asthma is triggered by inhaling allergens and irritants. Some of the common ones include:

Allergens that can trigger asthma attacks:

• Tree, grass and weed pollen.
• Mould spores.
• Animal dander (skin flakes). Pet urine, faeces, saliva and hair can also trigger an asthma attack.
• Cockroach faeces and saliva.
• Dust mite faeces.

Irritants that can trigger asthma attacks:

• Tobacco smoke and smoke from candles, incense or a chimney.
• Cold air.
• Air pollution.
• Scents from scented products, such as perfumes, air fresheners and lotions.
• Dust.
• Industrial and household chemicals.

Diagnosing and treating allergic asthma

Read about how allergic asthma is diagnosed and treated here.

Controlling allergic asthma

While it may be impossible to avoid all allergens and irritants, taking certain steps can help to significantly reduce exposure and resulting asthma attacks:

• Cover mattresses and pillows with allergen proof material and wash sheets and towels regularly in very hot water.
• During high pollen counts, stay indoors and use an air conditioner, which will keep humidity low. You can also use a dehumidifier.
• If animal dander is triggering your allergic asthma, try to avoid pets as much as possible.
• Use natural scent-free household chemicals and cleaners.
• Dust often with a wet cloth.
• Try to avoid scented candles, incense and perfumes or scented creams and lotions.
• Try to avoid vigorous exercising in cold air as this triggers asthma attacks in some people.

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