The immune system serves as the body’s defense mechanism against the different substances present in the air we breathe, the foods we eat, and the things we touch. Sometimes, while trying to protect the body, the immune system overreacts to harmless substances called allergens. As a result, the immune system will release the IgE antibody to fight against these foreign invaders. IgE, is an antibody produced by the immune system in response to allergen exposure, it can sometimes be harmful. An allergen refers to any substance that can trigger an allergic disease.

Asthma, a type of allergic disease, is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the airways of the lung. The most common symptoms of asthma are cough, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, wheezing and chest tightness. When a person with asthma is exposed to things that trigger attacks, the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. The following problems may arise:

• Lungs and airways overreact to certain triggers and become inflamed and clogged
• Breathing becomes harder and may hurt
• There may be coughing
• There may be a wheezing or whistling sound

Although all types of asthma produce similar symptoms, the triggers that lead to asthma attacks may be very different. Allergic asthma can be triggered by allergens including cats, dogs, dust, cockroaches, molds and pollens. However, symptoms may also be caused by other triggers including smoke, air pollution, certain medications and infection. Non-allergic asthma is not triggered by allergens, but may be triggered by other things in the surrounding physical environment.

In allergic asthma, allergen exposure can trigger wheezing and induce chronic inflammation in the airways, bringing about airway sensitivity. One of the most important interventions in allergic asthma is to identify and avoid the allergens you are sensitive to. However, avoidance of all allergens may not be possible and as a result, medications may still be needed.
Asthma may be treated by long-term control and short-term, quick relief medications. Both medications are used to treat asthma symptoms. Long-term control medication is taken every day to control asthma symptoms and to prevent the occurrence of asthma attacks. Quick-relief medication is taken to relieve the sudden onset of asthma symptoms, such as during an asthma attack.

Asthma is an ongoing disease; it requires ongoing management and appropriate treatment.
Well-managed asthma also includes using the proper medications. Some of these medications should be used on a daily basis as instructed, even if you are feeling well. This is to prevent asthma flare-ups and to ensure that airways are as open as possible. Make sure you follow your physician’s instruction on the appropriate use and dosage of prescribed medications.

The better informed you are about your asthma triggers and management, the less asthma symptoms will interfere with your activities. It is important to avoid asthma triggers, work with a physician on a management plan, and take appropriate medications as prescribed. Together, you and your allergist can work to ensure that asthma does not interfere with your quality of life.