Asthma and Allergy > Asthma > Triggers > Allergic

Allergic asthma

Allergies are a common asthma trigger; 60 percent to 80 percent of people with asthma have allergies that trigger their asthma. For people with allergic asthma, breathing in substances such as pollen, mold, dust mites and animal dander, triggers inflamed and swollen airways, leading to symptoms of asthma.

Symptoms

The first clue that you may have an allergy is having allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing, itchy eyes, stuffy nose, coughing or wheezing in specific situations. For example, allergy symptoms may occur only at certain times of the year or when visiting a home where a cat or dog lives. Year-round symptoms may be a sign of an allergy to something in your home, such as dust mites.

Common allergens that trigger asthma

• Seasonal allergens, such as pollens. Tree pollens are most common during the spring and summer and weed pollens, such as ragweed, in the late summer and fall.
• Outdoor mold spores can trigger asthma throughout the summer. It is found in decaying material, such as piles of leaves and compost. Pollen and mold spores are very small and can be blown for hundreds of miles by the wind.
• Household allergens, such as dust mites, mildew and cockroaches, can cause year-round allergy symptoms. Dust mites are microscopic insects that thrive in warm humid conditions. They are found indoors throughout the year in carpeting, mattresses, pillows and upholstery.
• Animal allergens including cats, dogs, horses, birds – just about any furry or feathered friend – also may trigger allergic reactions in some people. There is no such thing as a completely nonallergic cat or dog. Reptiles and fish are the safest pets for people who have animal allergies.

Treatment

If your asthma is triggered by allergens, you can take steps to reduce your contact with them. Talk to your doctor about allergy shots or other treatments that may help you.