Treatment methods for chest allergies and their causes, Chest allergies are defined as chronic inflammation of the airways resulting from an overactive immune response to allergens such as mold, pollen, and dust.
Common allergy symptoms include shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain and tightness, and wheezing. The choice of treatment for chest allergies depends on the severity of the symptoms and prescribing the appropriate medication to control them.
Types of Chest Allergies
Chest allergies are divided into four types based on the severity and frequency of symptoms:
- Mild and intermittent allergies, occurring less than twice a week.
- Mild and persistent allergies, where symptoms occur more than twice a week, but not daily.
- Severe and persistent allergies, where symptoms persist day and night and interfere with daily activities.
- Moderate and persistent allergies, where symptoms occur 3-6 times a week, and attacks may affect daily activities.
Symptoms of Chest Allergies
Symptoms may occur at a specific time of year, as in seasonal chest allergies, and may worsen or worsen in asthma attacks. An asthma attack can begin gradually or suddenly upon exposure to an allergen. Common allergy symptoms include:
- Coughing, especially at night.
- Difficulty sleeping due to breathing problems.
- Shortness of breath.
- Difficulty speaking.
- Chest tightness or pain.
- Wheezing.
- Stress, fatigue, and anxiety.
Causes of Chest Allergies
A combination of genetic and environmental factors increases the risk of developing chest allergies. Exposure to airborne irritants (allergens) such as mold, dust, pet dander, and pollen can also contribute.
Sinusitis, the flu, and colds can also trigger allergies, as can gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or certain medications containing acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin).
Diagnostic Methods for Chest Allergies
Initially, the doctor relies on taking a medical history and then performing a physical examination to rule out other conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or respiratory infections. The following procedures are used in the diagnostic process:
- Spirometry, which involves blowing into a device that measures the volume of inhaled and exhaled air and the speed of exhalation.
- X-ray imaging tests to rule out chest inflammation or infection.
- Allergy testing, either through skin prick tests or blood tests, to identify the allergen.
- Sputum eosinophil test to detect the presence of a specific type of white blood cell.
Treatment for Chest Allergies
The choice of treatment for chest allergies depends on the severity of symptoms and the patient's age and overall health. The doctor may prescribe:
- Short-acting beta-2 agonists, medications that dilate the airways within minutes by relaxing constricted airway muscles.
- Bronchodilator medications, which open the airways.
- Corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation in the airways and are usually administered as inhaled sprays.
- Antihistamines are used to relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching.
- Leukotriene modifiers reduce airway swelling.
Medications for treating chest allergies
- Budexan (a type of medication).
- Budelizer capsules.
- Pedicort Forte syrup.
- Flixotide nasal spray.
- Phenadone syrup.
- Mucosol syrup.
- Sinuc syrup.
- Floxguard tablets.
- Combivent inhalation solution.
How to prevent chest allergies
- Avoid exposure to irritants and allergens such as chemicals, pet dander, mold, and pollen, which can worsen symptoms.
- Get vaccinated, such as the annual flu vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine.
- Ensure good ventilation in your home and avoid exposure to smoke.
- Allergy immunotherapy can help prevent attacks.
- Taking long-term allergy medications can help reduce the severity of asthma symptoms and the frequency of attacks.
Article Summary
Asthma is a chronic inflammatory respiratory condition affecting the airways. It occurs due to an overactive immune response to allergens such as animal dander, mold, pollen, and dust.
A person can develop asthma as a result of exposure to airborne irritants like mold, dust, animal dander, and pollen. Treatment depends on the severity of symptoms, the patient's condition, and their age.