INFOGRAPHIC: Can asthma be caused by an allergy?
Suddenly getting asthma attacks? Read here to find out if an allergy is the culprit.
Asthma is a common long-term inflammation of the airways disease. It is characterised by a range of different symptoms like wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. These episodes may occur a few times a day or a few times per week. Depending on the person, they may become worse at night or with exercise.
According to Health Insite, a leading corporate wellness and an occupational health service provider, the cause of asthma may be linked to allergens.
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What are the common allergens that cause asthma?
According to Health Insite, an inhaled allergen is responsible for the disease, as the lungs are its first point of contact with the body. It is here that the allergic response occurs.
Some food allergens consist of the following:
- Monosodium glutamate (MSG)
- Sulphur-containing preservatives
- Tartrazine and other food colourants (food allergies are not always considered to be a true allergy, as IgE antibodies are not always involved in the body’s reaction).
How do the common allergens induce asthma?
According to Health Insite, during the allergic reaction from an inhaled allergen, IgE antibodies bind cells in the lungs known as mast cells.
They contain granules, which are minute “packets” of chemicals like histamine. When the allergen comes into contact with the sensitised mast cells, the granules are released from the cell and cause an inflammatory response.
The lungs respond by contracting the muscle, which in turn restricts the passage of air.
At the same time, sticky mucus is produced and this may block the airway, causing part of the lung to collapse.
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How can it be avoided?
Unfortunately, once the asthma attack is in progress, nothing can be done to avoid the allergen and treatment to widen the air passages as needed.
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