What is allergic asthma and why do you need the help of asthma doctors?

Posted by Brian Miller on April 1st, 2016

Allergic asthma is the most commonly known type of asthma that affects many people. It can be caused by the same allergens that cause watery eyes and sneezing fits in some people. That’s why, allergy shots Charlottesville are necessary for a better living. On the other hand, for asthmatic patients, asthma doctors Charlottesville are a part of their means of survival.  

It has been reported that close to 90% of children, suffering from childhood asthma, also suffer from allergies, as compared to the 50% of adult population with asthma. When a person breathes in different allergens, such as pollen grains, hairs and dust, he might suffer from the allergic asthma soon. For those who have asthma, it can even get worse when they exercise in a cold weather or if they breath in more allergens. The asthma symptoms can also be set off by a strong smell.

Allergic asthma usually happens because of one’s own body reacting to the foreign substances that have been introduced into the body. Typically, the immune system responds to bacteria, viruses and other pathogens in order to neutralize them. At times, the immune system might respond too much to attack different harmless substances in the body, such as cat dander, dust or pollen grain.

The immune system of an allergic patient usually identifies some of these harmless substances as invaders; and in turn, produces antibodies known as Immunoglobulin E (abbreviated as IgE). The released antibodies travel through the blood stream to body cells for releasing certain chemicals; thus causing the allergic reactions. In this situation, immunotherapies, such as allergy shots Charlottesville are used to bring back the immune system to its normal form of operation.

People suffering from allergic asthma usually have extra sensitive airways that react to certain allergens. The reaction may be coupled with coughing, sneezing, running short of breath, quick breathing and tighten chest. As the condition prolongs, muscles around the airways tighten and become inflamed. If any of the above-mentioned symptoms are shown, it is important to seek medical assistance from asthma doctors Charlottesville.

The doctor, who is an immunologist, examines the patients to determine what triggers their allergic asthma. They are usually trained and experienced health specialists who can determine the specific allergens that cause allergic reactions and discuss if immunotherapy is the right form of treatment. Here, the most commonly used test method is pricking the skin with a very tiny amount of allergen. The size of the red bumps are then measured in the next 20 minutes. The second test method is the blood test, commonly referred to as specific IgE test.

The concept behind immunotherapy is that the immune system can be desensitized to certain allergens that are responsible for the allergic symptoms. Desensitization of the immune system may need some time, hence requiring patience. The administered shots function more like a vaccine. The body responds to certain amount of injected allergens that are administered in increasing doses. Eventually, the body develops a resistance against those particular allergens. The shots can ultimately result to decreased or no allergic symptoms at all.

Paying visits to asthma doctors Charlottesville and regular administration of allergy shots Charlottesville can eventually lead to reduced or no allergic symptoms for allergic patients.