Health&Wellness Magazine May 2016 | Page 43

For advertising information call 859.368.0778 or email [email protected] | May 2016 Asthma and allergy are two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. What’s the Difference Between Asthma and Allergy? been linked to psychological reactions, so seek medical advice before starting it. • Allergy shots (immunotherapy), which can help treat asthma by Asthma and allergy are two of the most common chronic diseases in the United States. Allergy-induced or allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma diagnosed in the country. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, half of the 20 million Americans with asthma have allergic asthma. Asthma and allergy are different, though they may have related reactions, and some of the body’s chemicals that are involved in allergies are also involved in asthma. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes difficulty with breathing. An allergy is an inflammatory response or reaction to a specific substance. These reactions can involve the skin, eyes, tongue, nasal membranes and breathing passages in severe cases. Allergy symptoms include a stuffy, itchy or runny nose; sneezing; red, itchy or irritated skin; and burning, itchy or watery eyes. Usually people who have asthma also have allergies. Hay fever and sinusitis are common in asthma patients. Spores, pollen, dust mites and pet dander are all known allergens, but because th ^HXZ