Asthma and allergies: Why do they go hand in hand?

There’s been a big increase in allergies–today, 54% of Americans test positive for sensitivity to at least one allergen which is double the percentage from 1970. During this time, asthma has also doubled according to the same study.

Given what doctors know about allergies (which isn’t a lot, actually) and the way the body sees certain foreign substances as “dangerous” even though they’re not and thus activates an allergic reaction to flush those substances from your system, and that can get your immune system working overtime. This overworking of the immune system exhausts and depletes the body–both known triggers for asthma.

Though doctors still aren’t sure of just how asthma and allergies are linked (they suspect the reasoning is as above, but there may be more to this situation than meets the eye), they do know that there definitely seems to be a link between the two. And they also know that both are on the rise.

So, what can you do if your asthma and allergies go hand in hand? Start with this five day series on reducing allergic asthma symptoms.

June 30, 2009 | Filed Under Allergic Asthma Symptoms | 1 Comment 

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  • About

    Hiya! I'm Jess. I was diagnosed with allergy-induced asthma about two years ago.

    Since then, I've found that my asthma symptoms are a great barometer of just how well I'm taking care of myself. On days when I practice self care, I breathe easier than on days when I don't.

    Now that I've gotten a handle on my own symptoms I wanted to create a place where I could share what's worked for me and hear from *you* on what helps to treat your allergic asthma symptoms. Welcome to my site. I'm looking forward to getting to know you.