Can an allergy lead to asthma?
January 10, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Erwin Ullmann
Dear Doctor,
My name is Guido Siebert and I am reaching out to you because I have been suffering from various allergic reactions for a long time. I have noticed that my symptoms have been getting worse lately and I am very concerned about my health.
Since childhood, I have been suffering from various allergies, especially to pollen, dust mites, and animal fur. These manifest mainly through sneezing, watery eyes, itching, and skin rashes. Lately, however, I have noticed that I have been experiencing more breathing problems. I often feel like my airways are constricted and I have difficulty breathing. Additionally, I occasionally have coughing fits that greatly distress me.
I have heard that allergies can lead to asthma and I am now wondering if my allergic reactions could potentially lead to this lung condition. I am very worried about my health and would like to know if there is a connection between my allergies and my breathing problems. Are there possible treatments to prevent a potential asthma diagnosis? Should I undergo further tests to assess my lung function?
I would greatly appreciate your help and support.
Sincerely,
Guido Siebert
Dear Mr. Siebert,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of allergology. I am sorry to hear that you have been suffering from various allergic reactions for some time now and have been increasingly concerned about your health recently. It is important that you take your symptoms seriously and seek appropriate treatment.
The symptoms you have described such as sneezing, watery eyes, itching, skin rashes, and breathing problems could indeed be indicative of an allergic reaction. Especially when these symptoms occur in conjunction with coughing fits, it could suggest an allergic reaction affecting your airways. It is known that certain allergens such as pollen, dust mites, or animal dander can trigger or worsen asthma.
Asthma is a chronic lung condition in which the airways react overly sensitively to various stimuli. People with allergies are at an increased risk of developing asthma. It is therefore quite possible that your allergic reactions could lead to asthma. It is important that you take your symptoms seriously and consult a specialist in allergology or pulmonology to receive a precise diagnosis.
To prevent or detect and treat asthma early, regular monitoring of your lung function is important. Your doctor can perform various tests, such as lung function tests and allergy tests, to determine if your breathing problems are related to asthma.
There are various treatment approaches for asthma that can be tailored to the severity of the condition and individual needs. These may include medications such as anti-inflammatory inhalers (e.g. corticosteroids) or bronchodilator medications to help open the airways. Furthermore, it is important to identify and avoid potential triggers to reduce asthma attacks.
I strongly recommend that you schedule an appointment with a specialist in allergology or pulmonology to have your symptoms evaluated and receive appropriate treatment. The earlier asthma is recognized, the better it can be controlled and treated.
I hope that my response has been helpful to you and I am available to answer any further questions you may have. I wish you all the best for your health and hope that you find relief from your symptoms soon.
Sincerely,
Erwin Ullmann, Specialist in Allergology
