Is Allergy Asthma?
No, allergy is not asthma, but they are closely related. Allergic asthma is a type of asthma triggered by allergens.
While not all asthma is caused by allergies, a significant portion is. Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma, with symptoms triggered by inhaling allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. These allergens cause an inflammatory response in the airways, leading to the characteristic asthma symptoms.
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Allergic Asthma: This is asthma triggered by allergens. It's the most common type, especially in children (around 90% of children with asthma also have allergies). In adults, the percentage is lower (around 50%).
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Non-Allergic Asthma: Many other factors can trigger asthma, including exercise, infections, cold air, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and stress. These triggers aren't related to allergic reactions. Individuals can have more than one asthma trigger.
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Co-occurrence: Allergies and asthma often occur together. Substances causing hay fever (allergic rhinitis) symptoms—pollen, dust mites, pet dander—frequently trigger allergic asthma. However, it's crucial to remember that having allergies doesn't automatically mean you'll have asthma, and vice versa.
The Allergy & Asthma Network (https://allergyasthmanetwork.org/) highlights the common occurrence of both conditions, emphasizing their close relationship but distinct nature. Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21461-allergic-asthma) further details allergic asthma's symptoms, including shortness of breath, coughing, wheezing, and stuffiness. The Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/asthma/in-depth/allergies-and-asthma/art-20047458) reiterates that although allergies and asthma frequently co-occur, they are separate conditions.
In short, while allergies can be a cause of asthma (specifically allergic asthma), they are not asthma itself.
