Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Picayune

Understanding Asthma

Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, leading to symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, coughing and chest tightness. These symptoms can vary in severity and frequency, ranging from mild, intermittent episodes to severe, persistent symptoms that significantly impact daily life.

Asthma can develop at any age, but it often starts during childhood. Many children with asthma experience their first symptoms before the age of five. However, asthma can also develop for the first time in adulthood. Asthma is a chronic condition, and while it may begin at any age, its symptoms can vary in severity and frequency over time.

What causes asthma?

Various factors can trigger asthma symptoms, including allergens such as pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold and certain foods. Other triggers include respiratory infections, cold air, exercise, smoke, air pollution and stress. Identifying and avoiding these triggers is essential for managing asthma effectively. Our expert team at Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Picayune offers several tests that help diagnose asthma, including spirometry, which detects airflow obstruction.

How is asthma treated?

Treating asthma typically involves a multi-faceted approach that addresses both the inflammation and the triggers that worsen symptoms. Knowing what triggers your asthma and avoiding those triggers can help you avoid attacks. Certain medications can also help calm your symptoms when you do have an attack, including anti-inflammatory drugs and bronchodilators, which are inhalers used to relax the muscles around the airways.

If you have a severe asthma attack that does not respond to your usual medications, seek emergency medical care immediately. Severe symptoms may include extreme difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, chest pain and blue lips or fingernails.

What is allergic asthma?

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma triggered by exposure to certain allergens. When people with allergic asthma come into contact with allergens like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold or certain foods, their immune system overreacts. This exaggerated immune response leads to inflammation and swelling of the airways in the lungs, making it difficult to breathe.

Understanding Allergies

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance as if it were harmful to your body. Common allergens include pollen, certain foods, pet dander, insect venom, mold and certain medications. Allergies can develop at any age and may be triggered by a variety of factors, including genetics, environmental exposures and lifestyle choices.

What are the symptoms of allergies?

Allergy symptoms can vary widely depending on the allergen and the individual’s sensitivity, but they commonly include:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Watery, itchy or red eyes
Skin rashes, such as atopic dermatitis (eczema) or hives
Swelling
Coughing
Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue

In severe cases, allergic reactions can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency characterized by difficulty breathing, a sudden drop in blood pressure and loss of consciousness. Anaphylaxis requires immediate medical attention.

How are allergies diagnosed?

There are several types of allergy tests that may be performed to identify specific allergens that trigger your symptoms:

Skin Prick Test: This involves placing a small amount of allergen extracts on your skin, then pricking or scratching the skin to allow the allergen to enter. If you are allergic to a particular substance, you will develop a raised bump or hive at the site.
Blood Test: A blood sample is taken and tested for the presence of specific antibodies produced by your immune system in response to specific allergens. This test can identify allergens such as pollen, pet dander, foods and certain medications.
Patch Test: This test is used to diagnose allergic contact dermatitis, a type of allergy that occurs when the skin comes into contact with certain substances. Small amounts of allergens are applied to patches, which are then placed on the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
Elimination Diet: If food allergies are suspected, your doctor may recommend an elimination diet to identify which foods are causing your symptoms. This involves removing certain foods from your diet for a period of time, then gradually reintroducing them while monitoring for symptoms.

How are allergies treated?

Allergy treatment can vary depending on the type and severity of the allergy. Some common treatment options include avoidance of the triggering allergen, medications and allergy shots. Also known as immunotherapy, allergy shots gradually expose the patient to increasing doses of the allergen to desensitize the immune system. It is particularly effective for allergies to pollen, dust mites, pet dander and insect venom.

Understanding Immune Deficiency

An immune deficiency, also known as immunodeficiency, is a condition where the immune system’s ability to fight diseases is compromised or entirely absent. This can result from a variety of causes and can affect different parts of the immune system. Immunodeficiencies are broadly classified into two categories: primary (or congenital) and secondary (or acquired). Primary immunodeficiencies are usually genetic and present at birth. They result from defects in the genes that control the immune system. Secondary immunodeficiencies occur as a result of external factors that affect the immune system. These can be caused by infections, medications, chronic illnesses, malnutrition and environmental factors.

What are the symptoms of an immune deficiency?

People with immunodeficiency are more susceptible to infections, which may be more frequent, severe and harder to treat than in individuals with a normal immune system. Common symptoms include:

Frequent and recurrent infections (e.g., pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections)
Poor response to standard treatments for infections
Delayed growth and development in children
Autoimmune disorders
Increased risk of certain cancers

How are immune deficiencies treated?

Immunologists treat immunodeficiencies through a variety of strategies, depending on the specific type and severity of the immunodeficiency. Each patient’s treatment plan is tailored to their specific condition, underlying cause of the immunodeficiency and individual health needs. One of the most common treatments used to manage immune deficiencies is immunotherapy. The goal of immunotherapy is to improve the patient’s quality of life by reducing the frequency and severity of infections and other complications associated with immunodeficiency. Immunotherapy treatment can include but is not limited to antibody infusions, gene therapy, vaccinations and antibiotics.

Why Choose Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Picayune

With thorough evaluations and advanced diagnostic tests, we will work to determine the underlying cause of your asthma, allergies or immunodeficiency and develop an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your individual needs. We understand that these conditions require proper long-term management. Our team is here for you every step of the way, offering ongoing support, education and guidance to help you manage your condition effectively.

Call today to schedule your appointment.

(769) 717-5005

Allergy, Asthma & Immunology – Picayune