Home > Health Information > All Categories > Nine Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Allergies and Asthma

Nine Commonly Asked Questions Concerning Allergies and Asthma
By: Joram S. Seggev, M.D., Board Certified Allergy & Immunology

1. What is the difference between an allergy and asthma?
An allergy is a general term for a specific reaction of the immune system. The diseases frequently referred to as "allergies" are nasal and eye allergies, which are called allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition with ongoing inflammation of the airways. The symptoms of asthma are coughing, wheezing and trouble breathing due to spasms of the tubes leading to the lungs. Inflammation of the airways makes them overreact to a variety of stimuli, leading to acute symptoms (attacks). Attacks can be brought on by allergens, virus colds and other triggering agents.

2. What is the definition of allergic rhinitis?
Allergic rhinitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane that lines the nose, often due to an allergy to pollen, dust or other airborne substances. Common features of allergic rhintis are sneezing and an itchy, runny, stuffy nose. When the nasal symptoms come and go with the season and are caused by pollens from trees, grasses, weeds, or fungi, the illness is often referred to as hay fever.

3. How do allergies develop?
An allergy first starts to develop when a person come into contact with an allergen, such as plant pollen, various fungi, bee venom or certain medication. It isn't until the second contact with the allergen that there's a chain reaction of chemical substances which causes the symptoms of an allergy. Allergic symptoms may occur on the skin, in the nose, in the lungs, in the stomach and less frequently in the organs.

4. Does air pollution and dust particles have an impact on allergies and asthma?
The effect of air pollution is not quite clear - although it is definitely an aggravating factor and may contribute to an allergy. Flying latex particles (from tires) and diesel particles may have a direct effect on an allergy. PM10 (tiny particles that can be inhaled) and irritant gases, such as ozone may worsen asthma symptoms.

5. What treatments are available for people who suffer from allergies and/or asthma?
Before consideration is given to a patient's treatment, a firm diagnosis of allergy or asthma has to be made. In most cases, the patient's history will give a clue as to what is causing the allergic reaction.

Treatment includes medication, avoidance/environmental control and patient education. Complete avoidance of allergens is obviously impossible, but helpful measures include the use of air-conditioning and the exclusion of pets from the bedroom. The type of medication prescribed is determined by the severity of symptoms and patients' tolerance.

There are two classes of medication prescribed for the treatment of asthma. The first treats the inflammation in the airways. This medication acts slowly, but leads to long-term control of the disease. The other gives immediate, short-lived relief, but does not treat the underlying inflammation.

6. What is an allergy shot?
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) contain extracts of the trouble causing allergens and are designed to build up the body's tolerance and thereby reduce the allergic reaction when exposed to allergens.

The dose of allergen in the shots has to be increased gradually to prevent severe reactions. Depending on the intensity of treatment and a patient's tolerance, the maximum dose can be reached within either a few days and up to 6 months. Continuation of the injections leads to further improvements. Maintaining shots at proper time intervals is important. The maintenance shot schedule means receiving allergy injections every 1 to 4 weeks depending upon one's sensitivities.

7. Once I start getting allergy shots, will I have to continue for the rest of my life?
After obtaining good results over a period of 3 to 5 years, consideration should be given to discontinuing the shots for an observation period of 6 months to 1 year. Some patients continue to do well off the injections (although some will require medication), whereas other patients do not. Continuous monitoring and re-evaluation by the allergist/immunologist is required. If no effect is seen within one year, or if continuous severe adverse effects result from treatment, the allergy shots should be discontinued.

8. What are some of the side effects of allergy shots?
Allergy shots may lead to allergic reactions such as hay fever type symptoms, hives, flushing, lightheadedness and asthma. Rarely, if ever, have allergy shots had life-threatening reactions.

9. What is the future of allergy shots?
Several new forms of immunotherapy will be available in the future, such as allergens in nasal sprays and in specially coated capsules patients' can swallow.

In conclusion, immunotherapy can be highly effective and safe for patients with allergic rhinitis, asthma and with life-threatening allergies to several insects. To be successful, there needs to be cooperation between the patient and the treating specialist physician.

SIDE BAR: Allergy Season
Tree pollens are abundant in February through May. The first pollen of the season is usually of Mountain Cedar, followed by Elm, Ash and Cottonwood, Mulberry (March-April), and Olive (April-May). Clinically, significant concentrations of grasses and weeds occur from April through June. Airborne fungal spores are found throughout the spring and into the fall. Year-round allergic rhinitis is usually due to domestic pets, molds and the house dust mite. The latter is not a major problem in Las Vegas, but lawns (grass) can lead to year-round problems.

Joram S. Seggev, M.D., Board Certified Allergy & Immunology
Dr. Seggev is on staff at University Medical Center.
A graduate of Hebrew University - Hadassa School of Medicine in Jerusalem in 1970, he completed a 4-year fellowship in allergy and immunology at National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver, Colorado.

Dr. Seggev is certified by the American Boards of Allergy/Immunology and Internal Medicine and is a Fellow of the American College of Medicine, College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology and the Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology