Allergic Asthma Treatments

For some of you, allergen sources trigger your asthma symptoms, flare-ups, or bring on asthma attacks. We call this type of asthma allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma. You can manage your allergy-induced asthma by avoiding allergens that are known triggers. However, some allergens, like outdoor allergens, are harder to avoid. 

Traditional asthma therapies do not work for allergy-induced asthma. Allergy-induced asthma best responds to medications that treat allergies. Antihistamines and Immunotherapies are two allergic asthma treatments you can choose from.

Antihistamines

When there is contact with an allergen, your immune system produces histamines, or allergic responses, to get rid of the allergen. Histamines also contribute to inflammation in your body, including your airways! Thus, antihistamines are one way of treating allergy-induced asthma.

Antihistamines ¹ do not make you immune to allergens. However, they do stop the allergic response (histamines) and block inflammatory cells. As a result, they reverse breathing difficulties by stopping obstruction and opening your airways. Antihistamines offer gradual relief from airway inflammation. However, there are some things you should consider before taking them.

• Antihistamines, like Benadryl, cause drowsiness.
• They are most effective in mild cases and may not work in more severe cases.
• Using antihistamines can lower your blood pressure.
• Some people can have allergic reactions to antihistamines.

Immunotherapies

Immunotherapies ² are another treatment for allergy-induced asthma. These treatments are not easily accessible; you cannot pick them up from your local pharmacy. Immunotherapies are alternative asthma treatments that healthcare providers use for specific asthma cases. Immunotherapies are specific treatments that can treat allergy-induced asthma or severe year-round asthma. However, there are a few things to remember about Immunotherapies before using them:

• Your allergic asthma symptoms can increase.
• You can experience swelling, pain, or lumps at your injection site.
• There is a risk of severe or life-threatening reactions when exposed to allergens.