Allergic Asthma
Einstein Health Glossary
ICD 10 - J45.0
What is allergic asthma?
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways characterized by difficulty breathing. It is caused by an exaggerated response of the bronchi to exposure to agents that activate the immune system, such as animal hair and dust mites.
Symptoms
The main symptoms of allergic asthma are frequent coughing, wheezing in the lungs, and difficulty breathing. These may appear individually or together and usually occur in episodes. Without treatment, this disease can be fatal.
Causes
Asthma is caused by an exaggerated reaction of the immune system to allergenic particles, such as animal hair and dust mites.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of allergic asthma depends on the evaluation of symptoms and sometimes tests that assess respiratory function.
Prevention Method
It is not possible to prevent asthma itself. However, some episodes can be avoided by keeping environments clean, reducing contact with allergens, and understanding which habits may trigger symptoms.
Treatment
There are medications to keep asthma under control and others that are prescribed during episodes, always under medical supervision. Many come in the form of inhalers. Keeping environments clean and well-ventilated is also part of the treatment.
Duration
Allergic asthma is a chronic condition with no cure.
Is it contagious?
Allergic asthma is not contagious.
Can it be contracted more than once?
Allergic asthma is a chronic condition that stays with the person for life.