Allergies and asthma are chronic diseases that affect the daily activities of people suffering from them. Often allergies and asthma occur together. Some of the common symptoms that trigger them are dust mites, pet dander, and pollen. 

At Harker Heights Allergy and Temple Allergy, Dr. Long, along with his team, evaluate the symptoms of allergies and asthma, helping you to get relief.

How are Allergic Reactions responsible for Asthma Symptoms?

Usually, an allergic response happens when the proteins of the immune system, also known as antibodies, identify a harmless substance as an invader such as tree pollen. Antibodies connect to the allergen to protect the body from the substance. Your immune system will release a specific kind of chemical that causes allergy symptoms and signs such as itchy eyes, skin reactions, nasal congestion, and runny nose. In some people, this reaction affects airways, lungs, and other asthma symptoms. 

Are the treatments of Allergy and Asthma different? 

It depends on the situation and can differ from person to person. A few treatments are designed to treat allergy and asthma separately. However, there are a few treatments that help in both conditions. These are:

• Allergy Shots (Immunotherapy): These are the special kinds of shots that not only help in treating asthma but also reduce the response of the immune system to certain allergy triggers. In this therapy, the patient needs to get regular injections of allergens that trigger the symptoms. It not only makes your immune system less vunerable to the allergens over time but reduces your allergic reactions and asthma as well. The treatment requires regular injections for a period of 3-5 years. 
• Leukotriene Modifier—also known as Montelukast—this treatment is effective for both the conditions. This is a pill that helps in controlling immune system chemicals released during an allergic reaction. However, in some cases, Leukotriene Modifier has also been linked to psychological reactions such as suicidal thinking. If this is happening to you, seek medical advice from Dr. Long to get the right treatment as soon as possible. 
• Anti-Immunoglobulin E (IgE) therapy- When a person has an allergy, the immune system identifies that there is some harmful substance and therefore, it releases antibodies like IgE against the allergen. Another time you may come across an allergen, the IgE antibodies will sense it and thus send a signal to your immune system to release chemicals like histamine into your bloodstream. Omalizumab (Xolair), a medication interferes with IgE inside your body and helps in preventing allergic reactions triggering asthma. 

Are Allergies Responsible for Asthma?

Allergic asthma is a common condition. But there are different types of asthma with different kinds of triggers. For example, in some people, asthma can be triggered by stress, infections, exercises, gastroesophageal reflux disease or cold air. To know which type of allergy-triggered asthma, you can book a consultation with Dr. Long. by calling on Temple Texas Allergy Clinic: 254-773-8916 or Harker Heights Allergy Clinic: (254) 432-5945

How to Control the Symptoms?

To control the symptoms of allergy and asthma, it is important to find out what triggers them. When you work with an allergist like Dr. Long, he’ll find the right treatment for you and help in managing all the symptoms. Because the symptoms of these conditions can change over time, make sure to adjust your treatment accordingly. Understand the signs that may be flaring up and know what step you should take next. 

Contact Dr. Long

At Harker Heights Allergy and Temple Allergy, Dr. Long and his team are committed to providing quality treatment to people suffering from allergy and asthma. Whether you are looking for treatment for adult or pediatric patients, Dr. Long has got you covered! The team of physicians is well-versed at diagnosing and treating allergies related to food, skin, nasal, ocular, along with asthma and general immunologic disorders. 

Book your consultation today! Discuss you or your child’s allergic symptoms. Feel free to call our allergists in our Harker Heights, Allergy Clinic, or Temple, Texas Allergy Clinic. 

Call Harker Heights Allergy and Temple Allergy on Temple Texas Allergy Clinic: 254-773-8916 or Harker Heights Allergy Clinic: (254) 432-5945