Allergies and Asthma: Is There a Connection?

What is allergy-induced asthma?

Many people experience one condition without the other, but allergies can either worsen asthma or trigger it.

When these conditions are so closely related, it’s known as allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma. It’s the most common type of asthma diagnosed in the United States. Around 90% of children with asthma have allergic asthma, while allergic asthma accounts for around 50% of asthma cases in adults.

Many of the same substances that trigger allergies can also affect people with asthma. Some common allergens include:

• pollen
• spores
• dust mites
• pet dander

When people with allergies come into contact with allergens, their immune systems attack the allergens the same way they would a bacteria or a virus. This often leads to symptoms such as:

• watery eyes
• runny nose
• coughing

It can also cause a flare-up of asthma symptoms. Therefore, it can be helpful for people with asthma to:

• closely watch the pollen count
• limit time spent outside on dry and windy days
• be mindful of other allergens that may induce an asthmatic reaction
• keep windows closed when spending time indoors
• changing clothing and showering after spending time outdoors

Family history affects a person’s chances of developing allergies or asthma. If one or both parents have allergies, it’s much more likely that their children will have allergies. Having allergies such as hay fever increases your risk of developing asthma.

Symptoms of allergies and asthma

Both allergies and asthma can cause respiratory symptoms, such as coughing and airway congestion. However, there are also symptoms unique to each condition.

Allergies may cause:

• watery and itchy eyes
• sneezing
• runny nose
• scratchy throat
• rashes and hives

Asthma usually does not cause those symptoms. Instead, people with asthma more often experience:

• chest tightness
• wheezing
• breathlessness
• coughing
• waking through the night due to asthma symptoms

If symptoms of allergies and asthma occur, it’s possible that you are experiencing allergy-induced asthma. However, your asthma triggers may be different, so it’s important to contact a doctor for an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Treatments for allergies and asthma

Most treatments target either asthma or allergies. For example, if you have asthma, your doctor may recommend control medications and quick-relief medications.

Over-the-counter remedies for allergies may help. These include:

• antihistamines
• decongestants
• nasal corticosteroid sprays

Other treatments that may help include:

• limiting exposure to allergens where possible
• nasal rinses using a saline rinse
• allergy immunotherapy, such as allergy shots, for long-term management of allergic asthma

Other considerations

It’s important to note that, while there’s a possible connection between allergies and asthma, there are many other possible asthma triggers to be aware of.

Some of the most common nonallergenic triggers include:

• exercise
• other respiratory infections
• emotional stress
• changes in weather
• some medications

You may have more than one trigger if you have asthma. It’s good to be aware of different triggers when you’re trying to manage your symptoms, and your doctor can help determine what may be triggering your asthma.

The bottom line

While allergies and asthma are different conditions, they can occur together. When allergies trigger asthma, it is called allergy-induced asthma or allergic asthma.

Symptoms of asthma include wheezing, chest tightness, breathlessness, and coughing. Allergies can cause watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. If you have allergy-induced asthma, you may experience symptoms of both.

Contact your doctor if you experience allergies or asthma. They can help confirm the triggers for your symptoms and help you create a suitable treatment plan, which may include asthma medications, antihistamines, and allergy immunotherapy.