Do you know the difference between asthma and allergies? While they have similar symptoms, there is a distinct difference that you need to be aware of. Asthma and allergies both involve inflammation in the airway as well as breathing difficulty, but treating them differently can make all the difference in managing your health. In this blog post, we will dive into the subtle differences between asthma and allergies with an eye toward individualized prevention and treatment for each condition. Whether you yourself suffer from one of these conditions or if you are caring for someone else who does, read on to learn about how to best promote healthy living.
What is Asthma?
Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition which affects the lungs and airways. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and chest tightness. Asthma can affect people of all ages and most commonly begins in childhood. Asthma flare-ups are often triggered by things like pollen, dust, animal dander, air pollution, certain medicines, and exercise. Asthma triggers vary from person to person and while it cannot be cured, medications are available to control its symptoms. Asthma is becoming more common throughout the world but with proper care, it can be managed to maximize an individual’s quality of life.
What is Allergy?
Allergies occur when a person’s immune system reacts abnormally to an innocuous substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or dust. Allergy symptoms can range from mild reactions, like sneezing and watery eyes, to extreme reactions like anaphylaxis which require swift medical intervention. Allergies can be managed with proper identification of the allergen and avoidance strategies; in extreme cases medications such as antihistamines or prescribed injections can provide relief. Allergies are pervasive yet often overlooked; it is estimated that up to 50 million Americans are affected by allergies each year. It behooves everyone to stay informed on potential allergens and possible treatments so they are prepared in the event of an allergic reaction.
Difference between Asthma and Allergies
Asthma and allergies are two separate medical conditions, often confused for one another due to their similarities.
- Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways become inflamed and narrow leading to difficulty breathing whereas allergies are an overreaction of the immune system causing sneezing, watery eyes, or hives.
- Asthma can cause labored breathing, tightness of the chest, and coughing fits when triggered, whereas allergy triggers can lead to any combination of symptoms that vary from person to person.
While Asthma and Allergies both require similar medications to manage, the ultimate treatments can differ greatly requiring constant monitoring by a doctor. Proper education and understanding are key in learning how to live properly with either Asthma or Allergies.
Conclusion
The next time you have trouble breathing or a scratchy throat, consider if it might be allergies and not asthma. Allergies can often masquerade as asthma, but there are some key differences between the two conditions. If you think you might have allergies, talk to your doctor about getting tested. In the meantime, try to avoid your triggers and take allergy medication as needed.
