Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by allergens. Asthma itself is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.
In allergic asthma, exposure to certain allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold, or certain foods can lead to an immune system response. This response triggers inflammation in the airways, causing them to become narrow and making it difficult for air to flow freely in and out of the lungs. This results in the typical asthma symptoms.
Individuals with allergic asthma often have other allergic conditions such as hay fever (allergic rhinitis) or eczema. Allergic asthma can be managed with various treatments, including medications such as inhalers (bronchodilators and corticosteroids) to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, as well as allergy medications and avoiding triggers. In some cases, allergen immunotherapy (allergy shots) may be recommended to desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.