May is the National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, which is designed to inform people of one of the most common health care issues in the world. Affecting over 60 million Americans alone, asthma and allergies can be triggered by everything from dust to mold, and bring uncomfortable symptoms such as runny noses and sneezing. Find out more about these conditions in this guide, and learn how you can prevent triggering a reaction.

Allergies

Allergies affect you when your body perceives a substance in the environment as harmful and triggers an immune response. Pollen, mold, pet dander, or dust mites can cause dry or watery eyes, a runny nose, and an itchy throat. A skin allergy might result in a rash or redness. Food allergies to products such as peanuts and shellfish can cause swelling of the mouth and throat, restricting breathing.

To prevent these symptoms, avoid your allergy triggers. Through a spirometry exam, a health care professional can identify what triggers your symptoms by exposing you to small amounts of common allergens and checking your response. When you can’t help but come in contact with your triggers, such as pollen or dust, medications can help control your reaction. 

Asthma

Asthma is a respiratory condition that results in the inflammation of the air passages, making breathing difficult. Symptoms can be triggered by allergens or exercise, and include coughing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and tightness in the chest.

As with allergies, pinpointing what triggers your asthma attacks can help you avoid them. This might including avoiding physical strain or staying indoors on spring days with a high pollen count. To help you breathe in case of an attack, your health care provider can prescribe you an inhaler to deliver corticosteroids and bronchodilators to open your airways. 

If you want to take a spirometry or skin allergy test to identify your allergy triggers or require asthma medication, visit Hillside Family Medicine in Anchorage, AK. For over 20 years, their medical providers have offered high-quality pediatric, women’s health, men’s health, and other types of health care to keep all members of your family healthy. Learn more about what they offer on their website, or call (907) 344-0200 to schedule an appointment.