Allergies can trigger an asthma attack. Otherwise harmless substances (known as allergens) can sometimes cause a reaction in the immune system — allergies are your immune system’s reaction to an allergen like pollen, mold, or dust.
Certain allergies can cause extra problems for people with asthma. Inhaled allergens are probably the worst for people with asthma — inhaled allergens directly affect the nasal passages and lungs and can lead to an asthma attack. People with asthma should attempt to identify inhaled allergens that they are sensitive to. You may have problems with animal dander, dust mites, mold, and pollen.
Food allergies may not cause an asthma attack but they can cause a life-threatening reaction. Some common foods that cause allergy problems are: eggs, cow’s milk, peanuts, soy, wheat, fish, shrimp and shellfish. Food preservatives like sodium bisulfate and sodium sulfite can also cause allergic reactions or asthma attacks.
Talk to your doctor about skin testing to determine what allergens may be triggering your asthma. Allergy shots (also known as immunotherapy) can help you build up a resistance to certain allergens. Your doctor may also suggest an over the counter or prescription allergy medicine to help reduce your reaction to allergens.
Try keeping an asthma diary — record time and duration of any attacks, and what you were doing just before the attack. This will help you and your doctor identify your most common triggers.
Knowing what causes the allergies can help you avoid contact with the allergens! If dust is your main trigger, you may need to cover pillows and mattresses with zippered plastic covers and wash linens more often. You may need to get rid of drapes and carpeting, or vacuum more frequently. Adding filters to floor vents, heaters, and air conditioners can help cut down on dust. If pollen season causes you problems, try to avoid being outside during times of high pollen and use air conditioning during pollen season — especially spring and fall.