Breath of Relief: Exploring Therapies for Allergic Asthma

Living with allergic asthma can be challenging because there’s no cure. But understanding how it affects you and knowing when to seek help is essential. In this guide, we’ll help you learn more about allergic asthma, how it can change your life, the therapies available, and what to do in emergencies. By getting informed and taking action, you can manage allergic asthma better and stay safer.

What is allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma is a breathing condition in which the airways tighten when an allergen is inhaled. Common allergens that cause allergic asthma are those that travel in the air, such as dust, pollens, mold pores, or pet dander. 

When inhaling an allergen (often considered a foreign body), your body’s immune system responds with a reflux to fight off the allergen. This reflux is induced by various chemical reactions in your body that result in inflammation or swelling and squeezing of your breathing airways that are exposed to allergens to get rid of the allergen.

What are the symptoms of allergic asthma?

The symptoms of allergic asthma are the same as those of other types of asthma. These include:

1. Shortness of breath
2. nocturnal cough 
3. Wheezing
4. Chest tightness
5. Stuffy nose with nasal drainage
6. Watery eyes
7. Hive or rashes

How severe is allergic asthma?

Asthma induced by allergens can have serious complications. The most common include:

1. Insomnia can occure ute to frequent sleep disruptions
2. Inability to do the everyday day physical activities or any other social activities such to school or work.
3. Severe cases of allergic asthma may lead to hospitalization

How is allergic asthma managed?

Managing allergic asthma involves a comprehensive approach that includes avoiding known allergens, pharmacological treatments, and possibly alternative therapies. The goal here is to control symptoms, improve quality of life, and prevent asthma attacks.

Pharmacological Management

Effective management of allergic asthma often involves a combination of medications designed to treat both allergy and asthma symptoms. These may include:

1. Leukotriene Modifiers: Medications like Montelukast treat allergies and asthma by blocking leukotrienes, substances in the body that can cause asthma symptoms.
2. Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): This treatment reduces the immune system’s reaction to specific allergens over time, involving regular allergen injections.
3. Rescue Inhalers: These provide immediate relief from asthma symptoms by opening the airways.
4. Antihistamines reduce mild to moderate allergy symptoms such as itching and watery eyes.
5. Corticosteroids: Both oral and inhaled forms can prevent symptoms by reducing airway inflammation.
6. Biologics: Targeted therapy for moderate to severe allergic asthma works by interfering with the immune system’s signals that cause inflammation. Some biological agents used as monoclonal antibodies, like Omalizumab, are available as a Xolair 150mg injection. This medication is most widely used to treat allergic asthma and other inflammatory allergic reactions.

What are the alternative Treatments for Allergic Asthma

Exploring alternative treatments can offer additional pathways to manage allergic asthma symptoms alongside your prescribed medical regimen. Here’s a brief overview of each method:

1. Acupuncture: This traditional Chinese medicine technique is done by inserting thin needles into few specificpoints on the body to balance energy flow. It can potentially reduce asthma symptoms by promoting relaxation and well-being.
2. Aromatherapy: Utilizing essential oils from plants for healing, aromatherapy may help soothe your mind and body, potentially easing asthma symptoms through inhalation or topical application. However, be cautious, as some scents may trigger symptoms.
3. Autologous Blood Therapy: This involves reinjecting your own treated blood back into you, aiming to reset your immune system’s response to allergens. It’s less common and should be approached with professional guidance.
4. Bioresonance: Using machine-generated electromagnetic waves to diagnose and treat conditions, bioresonance aims to identify and counteract the disruptive frequencies in your body associated with allergens.
5. Breathing Techniques: Practices such as the Buteyko method, diaphragmatic breathing, or pursed-lip breathing can help you gain control over your breathing, potentially reducing the frequency and severity of asthma attacks.
6. Cupping: This ancient form of alternative medicine involves keeping cups over your skin to create suction. This will stimulate blood flow and energy within the body, though its effectiveness for asthma needs more research.
7. Herbal Medicine: This practice utilizes plants and herbal supplements to treat or prevent ailments. Some herbs have anti-inflammatory or immune-boosting properties that could benefit asthma management.
8. Homeopathy: This is based on the principle of “like cures like,” homeopathic remedies involve highly diluted substances to trigger the body’s natural defenses. The effectiveness of homeopathy for asthma is debated and should be used under guidance.
9. Prayer: Spiritual or focused prayer can provide comfort and stress relief, which may indirectly help manage asthma symptoms by reducing stress-related triggers.
10. Reflexology includes applying pressure to a few specific points on the feet, hands, or ears that are thought to correspond with different body organs. This potentially offers relief through relaxation and stress management.
11. Relaxation Techniques: Methods such as meditation, guided imagery, or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce your stress, a common trigger for asthma flare-ups.
12. Vitamin Supplements: Certain vitamins, such as vitamin D or E, might support lung function and overall health, potentially benefiting those with asthma, though they should not replace medications.
13. Yoga: Combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, yoga can help improve lung capacity, reduce stress, and enhance the overall quality of life for those with asthma.

Things to Remember

When considering the trajectory of allergic asthma, it is essential to acknowledge that while there is no definitive cure, the condition can fluctuate over time, influenced by various environmental factors and exposures. Living with allergic asthma means understanding that your symptoms might change depending on what you are exposed to.

You must talk to your doctor if you notice symptoms because of things you are allergic to. They can help make a plan to treat your asthma that fits your needs. In severe situations where regular treatments don’t help. Go to the emergency room or call for help right away. And if you are having a bad allergic reaction, don’t wait—head straight to get medical attention to stay safe.