SUNDAY, April 16, 2006 (HealthDay News) -- April showers bring -- the beginning of another allergic asthma season, experts say.
"Allergic asthma is the most common form of asthma," Dr. Sheldon L. Spector, chairman of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology's asthma diagnosis committee, said in a prepared statement. "Asthma is considered allergic when symptoms become more intense, perhaps resulting in an asthma attack, when the individual is exposed to allergens to which their immune system is sensitive."
An estimated 20 percent of Americans struggle with allergic asthma; about 60 percent of asthma attacks are caused by allergens, including pollen, animal dander, dust mites, mold, cockroaches and forest-fire smoke, according to the AAAAI.
Allergic and non-allergic asthma have similar symptoms: Coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath or rapid breathing, and chest tightness.
The AAAAI offers the following tips on how to reduce asthma attacks caused by allergens:
- Watch for ozone alerts, which will help keep you aware of the potential triggers for the day.
- Keep your outdoor activities to a minimum when temperatures are especially high.
- Take your asthma medications as prescribed in the recommended doses. Do not take more medication to ease severe symptoms without first consulting your doctor.
- Use an air conditioner in your home and car to keep air clean, cool and dry.
- Don't stand directly behind cars with their engines on. Exhaust fumes can trigger an asthma attack.
More information
To learn more, visit the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology.
