Allergies And Asthma Specialist

What is asthma?

Asthma is a chronic condition that causes the airways to your lungs to become inflamed, narrow, and filled with mucus. It’s often difficult to breathe with asthma. Other common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Tightness in your chest
• Shortness of breath

Asthma can be mild or severe. A mild bout of asthma may last just a few minutes, while a severe attack may last hours or days.

What causes allergies?

An overactive immune system causes allergies. When you have allergies, your immune system mistakes typically harmless substances, such as dust or pollen, for deadly invaders. Or, it may overreact when you’re exposed to substances like insect venom or mold.

This reaction triggers potent antibodies in your body to attack and destroy the allergen. But it also causes a host of uncomfortable allergy symptoms.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Your symptoms depend on the type of allergen and vary from person to person. However, common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Itchy or watery eyes
• Runny nose
• Hives or itchy skin with or without a rash
• Congestion
• Wheezing or difficulty breathing
• Abdominal cramping and nausea

In some cases, allergens cause anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Seek immediate medical attention for this condition.

Do allergies cause asthma?

Allergies and asthma often occur together, and in fact, allergic asthma is very common. The same substances that trigger an allergic reaction may also provoke asthma symptoms. In some people, food or skin allergies can cause asthma symptoms.

How are allergies and asthma treated?

Typically, the first step in allergy treatment is identifying what you’re allergic to through comprehensive allergy testing. Some treatments work to combat allergies and asthma at the same time. Dr. Leibowitz may recommend one of these treatment options for you:

• Leukotriene modifier: a daily pill to control chemicals in your immune system to prevent allergic reactions
• Immunotherapy: allergy shots or drops that gradually build up your natural resistance to allergens
• Anti-immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy: helps to avoid an allergic reaction that triggers asthma

Dr. Leibowitz and his team may suggest other medications to treat allergies or asthma, especially if your symptoms become severe. He also recommends preventing attacks by recognizing and avoiding the substances that trigger your symptoms.

Get help with your allergies or asthma today. Call or book a consultation online with Jonathan S. Leibowitz, MD, PC.