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Many people with asthma have allergies. Allergies can trigger asthma symptoms. Your doctor may want you to have allergy testing and, perhaps, allergy treatment.
Allergy testing
Allergy tests expose your skin to things that can cause allergy symptoms. The doctor will then look at any bumps where your skin was exposed. The larger the bump is, the more severe your reaction to that allergen may be.
Allergy shots
If a specific allergy plays a large role in your asthma, your doctor may tell you to get allergy shots. You will take the shots regularly. The shots should help reduce your allergy symptoms.
This type of treatment can prevent new allergies from developing. In some people, it can keep their allergies from leading to asthma.
You may need vaccines
If you have asthma, you’re more likely to have problems (like getting pneumonia or, worse, asthma) if you get the flu. (The flu, or influenza, is a breathing-related infection caused by a virus).
Your doctor may want you to get a flu shot every year to avoid this risk. You need a flu shot every year because the virus that causes the flu changes each year. The vaccine will protect you from most flu strains. If you do get the flu, you likely won’t get as sick as you would if you hadn’t had the shot.
Alternative treatments
A number of herbs, minerals, supplements, and alternative medicines have been promoted as remedies for asthma. Always consult with your doctor before using any alternative treatment. Like any medicine, some herbs, minerals, and other supplements can interact with drugs or foods and produce side effects. Just because something is natural does not necessarily mean that it is safe for everyone.
Also of Interest
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