Allergic asthma

Allergic asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways, notably of the bronchi, and is caused by allergens like pollen, house dust mites, animal dander or molds. It can become chronic asthma.

Pejorative factors:

  • outdoor pollutants (smoke, exhaust fumes)
  • indoor pollutants (aerosol sprays, varnish and paints, molds, hose dust mites and more) 
  • smoking (passively and actively) 
  • poorly ventilated rooms

Symptoms:

  • breathing problems and tightness of the chest due to constriction of the airways (dyspnea or shortness of breath) 
  • dry cough
  • rattling noises
  • wheezing

An attack can be of variable duration (from some minutes until a few hours). Attacks can occur repeatedly on a number of days. If asthma is not treated, it can deteriorate. About 80% of asthmatics suffer from rhinitis and 20-50% of rhinitis patients suffer from asthma1.

1Bousquet J, Vignola AM, Demoly P. Links between rhinitis and asthma. Allergy. 2003 Aug; 58 (8):691-706

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