Millions of children suffer from allergies and asthma. However, children can also suffer from allergic asthma. Both asthma and allergies are common, but they can be frightening for children to experience. Children with multiple respiratory issues need to be diagnosed, treated, and their conditions need to be properly managed by a skilled child respiratory specialist.
For a professional diagnosis, visit the best allergy doctor New York has today. Dr. Shukla is a pediatric pulmonologist with years of experience helping parents and their children breathe easier.
Allergies and Asthma: Allergic Asthma
Allergies are a common issue and cause your immune system to work overtime. Because your immune system protects your body from harmful substances, like bacteria and viruses, it can also attack harmless things like cat dander or pollen. Because these normally would not be a threat to your body, your immune system essentially works double-time to attack something that is of no actual harm to you. When your body reacts to an allergen, it releases chemicals that cause swelling and inflammation. This results in symptoms such as a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing.
Asthma is the most common chronic lung disease in children. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow, swell, and may even produce additional mucus. This makes it very difficult to breathe, and it also triggers coughing and wheezing. Depending on the unique person, asthma can be a minor or life-threatening issue.
Allergic asthma is a combination of both allergies and asthma. For those who have allergic asthma, breathing airways are highly sensitive to allergens. Just like with regular allergies, your immune system overreacts, the muscles in your airways tighten, inflammation occurs, and your airways can become filled with mucus. For those who have allergic asthma, their asthma attacks are often triggered by certain allergens. When an allergic asthma attack occurs, the person will often experience coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and a tight chest.
What Causes Allergic Asthma?
Both allergens and non-allergens can cause allergic asthma. Below are some of the common causes of an allergic asthma attack.
- Mold
- Dust mite and cockroach feces
- Animal dander and saliva
- Windblown pollen
- Smoke (tobacco, candles, incense, fireworks, and even fireplaces)
- Air pollution
- Chemical odors or fumes
- Perfume and scented air refreshers
Treating Allergic Asthma
The best time to treat allergic asthma is before an allergic asthma attack occurs. An attack can be frightening for both parents and children so getting ahead of the medical issue is vital. Untreated allergic asthma can cause lung damage and be life-threatening. While the condition cannot be cured, there are effective ways to manage the issue so that it does not interfere with one’s daily life.
Most often, your child will be prescribed two types of medicines to manage their symptoms. They can take most of the same medicines as adults do but at lower doses. The first is a quick-relief medication that helps to immediately widen airways to stop asthma attacks as soon as they start. This can also be preventative as some children use it before they exercise. The second is a long-term asthma control medicine that works to prevent asthma attacks before they even start. This is for children who suffer from frequent asthma attacks. If your child experiences any of the symptoms of allergies, asthma, or allergic asthma, contact an allergy specialist NYC so your child can live free from the fear of their next allergic asthma attack.
Allergy Specialist in New York
If your child has any issues with their breathing or you think they may have allergic asthma, contact Dr. Shukla. He is experienced in addressing pulmonary and respiratory issues, including allergies, asthma, and allergic asthma. Instead of fearing the worst, contact Dr. Shukla and his team for medical advice. He can diagnose and treat your child, so you can be prepared for any issue related to your child’s allergic asthma.
