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Allergies vs Asthma: Distinguishing and Managing

allergies Asthma

If you’ve ever asked “What’s the difference between allergies and asthma?”, you aren’t alone. And the answer isn’t always clear-cut.

So, what are allergies? Allergies are your immune system “protecting” you from proteins in the environment, such as house dust, mold, and pollen. Asthma, on the other hand, is caused by inflammation which constricts or tightens the breathing tube when triggered. And that’s just scratching the surface. There’s heaps more when it comes to distinguishing between these ailments.

But it’s not always as simple as being able to distinguish between the two. In fact, the most common form of asthma is allergic asthma, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI).

With allergic asthma, monitoring triggers such as exercise and avoiding triggers such as tobacco smoke won’t necessarily be enough to prevent an asthma attack. The AAAAI states, “if your asthma is allergic, your symptoms are most often triggered by inhaling allergens.” And these are just a few triggers. There are other triggers, environmental or otherwise, of which people with allergies and asthma need to be aware.

All of this may sound daunting. Especially when you add in the fact that there are varying forms of allergies and asthma with varying degrees of severity. But addressing and managing your allergies or asthma doesn’t have to be as scary as it sounds. Dr. Bill Lanting, America’s Allergist, can help you manage your symptoms, so you can get back to living your life.

The next step depends on how far along in the diagnosis-and-treatment-plan process you are. For those just beginning to notice and recognize symptoms, you can take the allergy and asthma quiz at America’s Allergist. The quiz will help you better determine whether or not you should make an appointment with an allergy and asthma physician.

If you’ve been diagnosed with any combination of allergies and asthma, it’s time to learn how to manage your affliction. Of course, you’ll want to follow the treatment plan you discussed with your allergist, but there’s more you can do, too. Dr. Lanting created a four-part video set to assist sufferers of allergies and asthma live the symptom free life. The video series, titled “Don’t Let Allergies Control Your Life: A Revolutionary New System, Be Allergy Symptom Free,” can be purchased in individual installments or as a set.

Don’t let allergies and asthma hold you back from living the life you want. You can control your symptoms, and America’s Allergist, Dr. Lanting, can help.