What are Allergies?

Along with allergic asthma, there is a range of airborne allergens that commonly cause respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, tightness in your chest and difficulty breathing. Allergies occur in the upper respiratory system and go hand-in-hand with nasal congestion, sinus pain, and nasal drip, which can cause airway irritation and coughing. Of course, there are other conditions such as sleep apnoea, gastric reflux, and COPD, which may cause these symptoms.

Respiratory allergies occur when the immune system has a negative reaction to some sort of airborne substance such as dust, pollen, pet dander or mould spores.

How can Allergies be treated?
Firstly, your physician will try to identify the cause for the allergic reaction or the trigger for the asthma attack. From there he/she may tailor treatment to your specific allergen. Medications may be necessary to control allergies while quick-relief inhalers (bronchodilators) may be prescribed for future asthma attacks.