Allergy & Asthma

Daily Apple Clinic

Adult Care, Primary Care, & Family Nurse Practitioners located in Congress Park, Denver, CO

Allergies are immune system reactions that can cause acute and chronic discomfort, asthma attacks and a variety of other concerning signs. By limiting contact with or avoiding known allergens, you may be able to decrease or prevent allergy and asthma episodes. Substances that cause allergies (allergens) may also trigger asthma symptoms. Inhaling or coming in contact with allergens may cause you to experience symptoms such as cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

In Congress Park of Denver, Colorado, Paul Reynolds, FNP, Monica Schonteich, FNP, and the experienced medical team at Daily Apple Clinic tailor individualized treatments for allergies and asthma. They can also help you explore strategies to prevent allergy symptoms and asthma attacks. For professional help managing your allergies and asthma, call Daily Apple Clinic or book your visit online today.

Allergy and Asthma Q & A

What are allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance such as pollen, bee venom or pet dander or a food. These reactions are atypical and usually do not cause reactions in most people. When you have allergies, your immune system makes antibodies that identify a particular allergen as harmful, and, when you come into contact with the allergen, your immune system creates an inflammatory response in your skin, sinuses, airways or digestive system. Allergic reactions can range from minor irritation to anaphylaxis. Most allergies have no true cure but medications can help alleviate symptoms.

Your symptoms may include:

Rashes and hives
Sneezing
Itchy or runny nose
Itchy and watery eyes
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Vomiting

Anaphylaxis is a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction. It causes swelling of the airways, breathing problems, lightheadedness, and possible loss of consciousness.

What is asthma?

Asthma is condition occurring when a person's airways become inflamed, narrow and swell, and produce extra mucus, which makes it difficult to breathe. It often occurs in response to triggers such as cold air, exercise, or allergens. Asthma can be minor, interfere with daily activities or lead to a life-threatening attack.

Whether you experience asthma symptoms frequently or only a few times a year, they may include:

Wheezing
Breath shortness
Coughing
Chest tightness or pain

What do allergies and asthma have in common?

Allergies and asthma often occur together. The same substances that trigger your seasonal allergies, such as pollen, dust mites and pet dander, may also cause asthma signs and symptoms. In some people, skin or food allergies can also cause asthma symptoms. This is known as allergic asthma or allergy-induced asthma.

How are allergies and asthma treated?

Identifying and avoiding allergy triggers is the most important step in preventing allergic reactions and reducing symptoms. Oral medications, nasal sprays and eyedrops can often reduce or prevent allergy symptoms. Allergen immunotherapy involving injections of purified allergen extracts may be helpful for severe allergies and cases when other treatments have not been effective. Individuals with severe allergies may also need to carry emergency injectable epinephrine at all times.

Asthma can usually be managed with rescue inhalers to treat symptoms and controller inhalers that prevent symptoms. Severe cases may require longer-acting inhalers that keep the airways open, as well as oral steroids. Breathing treatments such as inhalers and nebulizers can treat asthma as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a long-term condition that affects your lungs and worsens with time.

Daily Apple Clinic will work with you to manage your allergies and asthma symptoms and create a treatment plan to help you avoid allergic reactions and asthma attacks or manage them if they do happen. If you would like to discuss treatment options, please call us to schedule an appointment or click the button for an online appointment today.