According to claims from the American College of Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology, asthma is an epidemic. To put numbers in a bit of perspective, 26 million Americans suffer from asthma, and more than two-thirds those asthma sufferers also have some form of allergy.
While allergists often treat this combination of allergy and asthma by firstly avoiding the allergic trigger, researchers from the Mayo Clinic treat allergy-induced asthma using several effective methods, including over the counter, and prescription medications to eradicate specific symptoms. So even though the most proactive defense against asthma and allergies is to reduce exposure to triggers, these treatments are also common:
1. Corticosteroids
Oral and inhaler-administered prescription corticosteroids are very commonly recommended in combination with other allergic asthma treatments. For instance, oral steroids like prednisone, aim to lessen inflammation in the airways and reduce the severity of asthma attacks. However, they should not be taken for the long term. An inhaled steroids, known as a “controller” medication, are often prescribed via portable inhaler to be taken safely over longer periods of time.
2. Leukotriene modifiers
These oral medications are typically marketed under names like Singulair and Montelukast. Leukotriene modifiers aim to lessen symptoms of allergies and asthma by reducing the immune system response (histamine chemical release) when an allergic asthma attack occurs. Leukotriene modifiers have been linked to negative mental health (i.e., depression) and should never be taken without strict doctor supervision.
3. IgE therapy
Also known as anti-immunoglobulin E therapy, this allergy treatment (i.e, Xolair) impedes IgE antibodies and histamine chemical response when allergic reactions occur.
4. Immunotherapy
Also known as allergy shots, this allergy treatment isn’t for the non-committal patient. Immunotherapy requires a commitment of 3 to 5 years before positive results often occur. Allergy shots are administered in frequent injections, each containing a dose of the allergen so the patient can develop a decreased immune-system response with time. Most patients continue to take allergy and asthma treatments throughout their allergy shot course of treatment.
5. Vitamin therapy
Vitamin D therapy, which increases levels of vitamin D in allergic patients has recently made the news. This therapy is linked to research that claims vitamin D deficiency can lead to asthma.
