Did you know that allergic respiratory diseases affect about 20 million South Africans?

According to a study published in the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, 75% of asthmatic adults between the ages of 20 to 40 are battling allergies too. It doesn’t work the other way around though: Having allergies doesn’t mean you’re likely to suffer from asthma.

Allergies and asthma are very similar in that they’re both characterized by reactions to outside substances like pollen, dust, or dander. The difference between allergies and asthma lies in the location of the reaction. If the reaction happens in your nose for example, then you’ll experience congestion and sneezing. If the reaction happens in your lungs, you’ll experience an asthma attack like coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.

So, by pulling the ol’ allergy card, it’s easy to ignore a more serious diagnosis. Actually, both allergies and asthma can have severe consequences if left untreated.

Our immune systems are designed to protect us from potentially harmful threats. Allergies occur when our immune system react to something which is not a threat, whether it be food, pollen, dust, bug bites, medication, or something else. Allergy symptoms begin almost immediately after exposure to the allergen. This usually involves a runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, irritated eyes, and a scratchy throat. Nasal discharge is usually thin and clear, and the symptoms last for as long as you’re exposed to the allergen.

Asthma on the other hand, attacks the lungs and constricts the airways. The most common symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, frequent coughing (especially at night), wheezing, chest tightness, as well as pain or pressure in that area.

But can allergies cause asthma? Yes. Although mere allergic symptoms will not “turn into asthma” many people suffer from a common disease called “allergic asthma” triggered by skin or food allergies.

While asthma and allergies do have similarities, they are different and require different treatments. Whether you have asthma or allergies, you may be triggered by dust, pet dander, or mould, or pretty much anything else. However the first step is  to recognize the triggers and to try and avoid them.

Allergies can be treated with allergy shots. These shots lessen your immune systems response to certain triggers, while asthma can be treated with medications that are administered through an inhaler which takes the medicine directly into your lungs and airways where the allergic reactions occur.

There’s no clear indicator of why some people experience allergies and why some experience asthma. Though, researchers believe that a genetic predisposition determines just that. Additionally, it’s been proven that those with continuous allergies, like hay fever, are at risk for developing asthma, so it’s important to get your allergies tested.

South Africa has the 5^th highest asthma death rate in the world, yet well managed asthmatics should be able to live a normal life.

So, take charge and consult a physician to pinpoint whether your symptoms are due to allergies or asthma.

Source: news24.com, givengain.com, sajs.co.za, journals.co.za, womenshealthmag.com, cosmopolitan.com, wasatchpeakfp.com, floramedicalclinic.com, webmd.com, aluna.blog, mayoclinic.org

DISCLAIMER: The information on this website is for educational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms or need health advice, please consult a healthcare professional.