| An allergic asthma. It is a chronic inflammatory | | | | allergic process. |
| disorder of the lung airways. It's symptoms are | | | | When an individual is sensitized to an allergen, he |
| made worse by exposure to an allergen (e.g., | | | | or she produces an IgE antibody directed against |
| dust, mold, pollen, dust mite allergens and animal | | | | that allergen. The IgE antibody attaches to mast |
| dander) to which the patient has been sensitized. | | | | cells. |
| A simple sneeze could trigger allergic asthma or a | | | | When the individual is exposed to that same |
| simple cough could lead to that as well. | | | | allergen again, the allergen binds to the IgE on the |
| What are the symptoms of allergic asthma? | | | | mast cell causing it to release substances such as |
| The symptoms of allergic and non-allergic asthma | | | | histamine, prostaglandins and leukotrienes, which |
| are the same. They include coughing, wheezing, | | | | cause symptoms such as chest tightness, |
| shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest | | | | coughing and wheezing. |
| tightness. These symptoms are often provoked | | | | What treatments are available for people |
| by an identifiable trigger. | | | | suffering from allergic asthma? |
| What factors can cause or trigger allergic | | | | It is important for people with asthma to seek |
| asthma? | | | | treatment. First, patients are evaluated to identify |
| A family history of allergies is the most important | | | | their specific allergic triggers and a program of |
| predictor of whether a person will develop | | | | allergen avoidance is recommended. |
| asthma. Environmental substances (allergens) can | | | | Asthma is treated with medications including |
| trigger an exacerbation - or attack - in patients | | | | anti-inflammatory agents, such as corticosteroids |
| with allergic asthma. | | | | and anti-leukotrienes that decrease inflammation in |
| The allergens include tree, grass, and weed pollen, | | | | the lungs, and bronchodilators used for relief of |
| plus molds, animal dander, dust mites and | | | | symptoms. |
| cockroach droppings. Asthma attacks can also be | | | | Allergen immunotherapy, also known as allergy |
| triggered by viral infections, exercise, cold air and | | | | shots, is a program of injections that reduces |
| non-specific irritants. | | | | allergic sensitization. |
| How many people suffer from allergic asthma? | | | | A new drug currently under review by the Food |
| Allergic asthma is the most common form of | | | | and Drug Administration (FDA), known as anti-IgE, |
| asthma. According to the National Institute of | | | | concentrates on short-circuiting the allergic |
| Environmental Health Sciences, of the 17 million | | | | reaction in the body before it even begins. |
| asthma sufferers in the United States, 10 million | | | | Anti-IgE therapy stops the allergic reaction before |
| (approximately 60 percent) have allergic asthma. | | | | it starts, allowing the patient to avoid allergy |
| Three million are children and 7 million are adults. | | | | symptoms that often trigger an asthma attack or |
| What is the relationship between allergies and | | | | lead to the development of asthma attacks. |
| allergic asthma? | | | | Researchers are looking for targets for new |
| Most people with asthma also suffer from other | | | | forms of treatment. Future therapies may focus |
| allergic disorders. In fact, research from the World | | | | on cytokines, substances that maintain the chronic |
| Health Organization (WHO) shows that at least 70 | | | | inflammation responsible for asthma. |
| percent of asthmatics also suffer from allergic | | | | Other research may also lead to the development |
| rhinitis or "hay fever." | | | | of new anti-inflammatory drugs, which may retain |
| Nasal allergies and allergic asthma are both | | | | the anti-inflammatory effects of corticosteroids |
| triggered by exposure to allergens, initiating a | | | | but cause fewer systemic side effects. |
| series of events that result in tightening of the | | | | As the more and more developing countries are |
| airways, swelling of the lining of the airways, nose | | | | emerging, more and more air pollution is arising, |
| and eyes, and mucus production. | | | | whether asthma or allergic asthma, the number |
| What is IgE and why is it important in allergic | | | | of people having is rising. |
| asthma? | | | | They could have acquired this chronic illness rather |
| IgE (Immunoglobulin E) is an antibody in the human | | | | than having it genetically as the environment is |
| immune system that plays a critical role in the | | | | getting more and more dirtier. |