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When someone is exposed to
an allergen – a substance to which their body is sensitive – they may produce ‘histamines’, which
cause inflammation and irritation as they work to rid the body of the allergen. In the case of
allergy induced asthma, the histamines go to work on the bronchial passages and lungs, making it
difficult for the allergic person to breathe.
The incidence of allergy induced asthma has grown almost geometrically in recent
years, and scientists aren’t quite sure why. They suspect that part of the reason may be the
increased exposure of children to some common allergens. This seems to be borne out by population
based studies – African-American and Hispanic children living in the inner city are far more likely
to develop allergy induced asthma than Caucasian children in the same cities, and even those
children are more likely to develop allergy induced asthma than suburban and rural children of the
same socioeconomic level.
A number of reasons have been advanced for the disparity, but the most likely is
simply that Black and Hispanic children are far more likely to live in the most crowded old
neighborhoods of the city. Crowding is the biggest risk factor for the presence of common household
pests like cockroaches and rodents, and cockroach parts and rodent droppings are two of the most
common allergens in children with allergy induced asthma.
Diagnosing Allergy Induced Asthma
Doctors will diagnose asthma differently depending on the age of the patient.
Children under five, for instance, may find it difficult to follow instructions for breathing
capacity tests. Doctors will often use history, both the child’s and the family medical history, to
help determine the possibility of asthma. Often, if asthma is suspected, the doctor will prescribe
a bronchodilator. If it helps, the diagnosis is confirmed.
In older children and adults, doctors may perform a series of breathing capacity
tests with a peak flow meter and a spirometer to help determine the extent of an asthma
problem.
Generally, doctors don’t use allergy tests to diagnose asthma, but if there’s a
reason to believe that a specific allergen is a problem, allergic dermatitis tests may be used to
confirm or rule out possible allergens. Knowing that a specific substance or food is a problem can
help you avoid it and reduce your risk of asthma attacks.
Treating Allergy Induced Asthma
The good news is that interventions to reduce exposure to allergens seems to be
as effective a treatment for allergy induced asthma as corticosteroid inhalers. If your child has
been diagnosed with allergy induced asthma, there are ways that you can help control your child’s
symptoms. Besides using inhalers and nebulizers as directed by your doctor, you can also keep your
home – and especially your child’s bedroom – as close to allergen free as possible. Mattress
covers, pillow cases, air filters and pest control measures can reduce your child’s exposure to
allergens that cause allergy induced asthma to worsen into acute stages.
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