Treating Asthma With Better Allergy Care

When it comes to allergies and asthma, the two are often found together. While you can have allergies without developing asthma, or asthma without allergies, each condition tends to be triggered by the same things. If you are a person who is allergic to pollen, you may get itchy skin, watery eyes, and other allergy responses. You may also discover that pollen season leads to asthma flare-ups, a sure sign that you are dealing with both asthma and allergies at the same time. When you get better control over your allergies, you are going to have an easier time managing your asthma. Treatment for both entails figuring out your triggers and deciding if medication is necessary to control symptoms.

Identifying Triggers for Allergies

Your allergy triggers are anything that causes your symptoms to flare up. Allergies can be pet dander, food items, pollen, mold, dust, or just about any substance your body has an allergic reaction to. While you may start to sneeze if you are around a dog, for example, this might not trigger your asthma. If you are in a room with a cat, this might cause asthma without causing itchy eyes. Your triggers and how your body reacts to the triggers will be unique to you.

Following Through With Allergy Testing

If it has been difficult to figure out what you are allergic to, allergy testing is often done. This can be a skin test, where your allergist will use a tiny amount of the allergen to try and get a reaction from your skin. Blood tests can also be done to test for allergies. Talk to your allergy services provider about what test is right for you. Your treatment provider will get you ready for allergy testing, letting you know what medications to stop before the testing occurs.

Avoiding Your Allergy Triggers

Once you know what you are allergic to, you can develop strategies to avoid your triggers. You will discover that your asthma is easier to control when you have identified and removed your allergy triggers from your life as much as possible. When your allergens are things in the air, such as pollen, you can avoid it when possible and use medication to control symptoms.

You can get better control of your asthma when you focus on your allergies and what triggers them. Pay attention to your symptoms and get allergy testing as necessary. For more information, contact your local allergy care services.