Allergy and asthma seem to be closely related to one another. Some of you might be surprised hearing it but the fact remains that most of the time asthma and allergy occur at the same time. Most of the people in the United States suffer from allergic asthma. There has been a number of evidence which shows that people who suffer from allergy are more likely to develop asthma. But people with asthma do not necessarily have allergies. The main symptoms of allergy are likely to trigger asthma attack to those who suffer from allergies.

The substance that has the capacity to trigger allergy symptoms can also inflame your airways leading to asthma symptoms such as chest tightening, shortness of breath and puffed breathing. Asthma can be easily triggered by allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, etc. Skin and food allergy can also cause asthma symptoms. The relationship between allergy and asthma has been advocated a couple of years ago but only recently the proof which establishes a relationship between the two has been reciprocated.

In the year 1988, it was proposed that the degree of allergy is directly proportional to the severity of asthma. In most of the cases, allergy was found to aggravate the symptoms of asthma. There have been a number of studies to establish the relationship between asthma and allergy. A study performed by the Second National Health and Nutrition Survey of Children in the United States revealed that there is a close relationship between allergen sensitivity and decreased lung function thus confirming that sensitivity to certain allergens increases bronchial hyper-reactivity.

When the immune system responds to the allergic reaction, it affects the airways and the lining of the nose in similar manner. When the antibodies react to the allergens, symptoms such as itchiness, nasal congestion, skin reaction, scratchy eyes, etc that leads to the inflammation of the airway, thereby aggravating the symptoms of asthma. To a certain extent treating the allergic reaction can reduce asthma symptoms. There are some medications which work for both asthma as well as allergy.

Allergy shot is one such treatment which alleviates the symptoms of allergic reaction helps in the treatment of asthma by decreasing the response of your immune system to the allergen. There is a high chance of your children suffering from allergic reaction if your family has history of suffering from allergies. However, allergy is one of the most common form but not the only form that triggers asthma. Strenuous exercise can also trigger asthma.

Read on to know more about the causes and natural cures for asthma.