Health A to Z – Asthma and Allergy Topics

AERD

Aspirin-exacerbated respiratory disease (AERD), also known as Samter’s Triad, is a chronic disease that involves three conditions: asthma, nasal polyps, and sensitivity to aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Learn about AERD symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and medications to avoid, plus get an FAQ on everything AERD.

Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis (ABPA)

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) is an allergic reaction or hypersensitivity to the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus (A. Fumigatus). Learn about ABPA, symptoms, testing, treatment, and how it affects people who also have asthma.

Allergic March

The allergic march (also called atopic march) describes the progression of allergic diseases from infancy to adulthood. It often starts with eczema and moves on to food allergies, allergic rhinitis and asthma. Learn about whether it’s possible to halt the allergic march and ways to develop a strong immune system.

Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever)

Allergic rhinitis (translated as “inflammation of the nose”) is caused by the body’s reaction to airborne allergens. Your nose makes mucus every day to trap germs and allergens and keep them out of your lungs, usually without you noticing. With allergies, histamine causes excess thin, watery mucus and classic allergy symptoms. Learn more about allergic rhinitis, how it’s diagnosed, and treatments.

Allergies

Allergies are an immune system reaction to pollen, mold, pet dander and household pests such as dust mites, mice and cockroaches. Common symptoms include runny nose, coughing, sneezing and red, watery eyes. Allergies can also occur from food, insect venom, latex and certain medications. Learn what causes allergies, how an allergic reaction occurs, how doctors diagnose them, and the treatment options available, including immunotherapy.

Allergy & Asthma at School

Parents and schools must partner to care for students with asthma and students with allergies. Find out how to prepare student with these conditions for school. School resources are available for both parents and staff. Find out how to handle changes in a child’s asthma and allergies during the school year and determine what measures should be taken.

Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency

Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency is a rare inherited condition that can lead to serious lung disease in adults. It occurs when there is an abnormal level of the protein alpha-1 antitrypsin in the blood. Learn about alpha-1 symptoms, treatments, and patient resources.

Anaphylaxis

Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is a life-threatening allergic reaction that affects more than one organ system. It can happen at any age, including infants. Symptoms may include hives or a skin rash, a drop in blood pressure, and narrowing of airways in response to exposure of an allergen. Anaphylaxis is most often triggered by food, but it can also be triggered by insect venom, latex and medications. Get the full list of symptoms, treatment options, instructions on epinephrine injections, and FAQs.

Aquagenic Urticaria

Aquagenic urticaria is a rare condition in which a person’s skin develops red, itchy hives after exposure to water. In aquagenic urticaria, hives appear on the skin, usually on the chest, abdomen, pelvis, back and/or arms after exposure to water. A form of physical urticaria, it most often affects women. The hives can last 30 minutes to 2 hours before going away. Treatments are available.

Asthma

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that causes episodes of coughing, wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath. Learn what causes asthma and how it affects the lungs, what allergens trigger symptoms, and what treatments and medications are available. Find out what to do if you have an asthma attack and how to manage the condition with an Asthma Action Plan.

Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

Atopic dermatitis is a type of eczema, a chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves itchy patches on the skin. It can lead to dry and scaly skin, thick skin, and open, oozing, crusty sores. Get information on symptom triggers, diagnosis, medications and treatments, moderate to severe eczema, and how to live well with eczema.

Bronchiectasis

Bronchiectasis is a rare disease in which the walls of the airways become thick and enlarged due to scarring from inflammation and repeat infections. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, medications and patient resources.

Cat Allergy

Allergic reactions to cats and other furry pets are caused by pet dander. These are proteins found in flecks of the pet’s skin, saliva and urine. Dander can suspend in the air and settle in your indoors environment, triggering allergy and asthma symptoms. Find out more about pet allergies including symptoms, prevention and immunotherapy.

Celiac Disease

When people with celiac disease eat a meal containing gluten (wheat), their body is unable to fully absorb the nutrients. This can severely damage the lining of the small intestine and lead to stomach problames. Learn about celiac disease symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and patient resources. Also, get a list of common foods that contain gluten.

Chronic Cough

A chronic cough is one that lasts eight weeks or more in adults and four weeks or more in children. It can cause headaches, disrupt sleep and daily activities, and lead to lung damage. Many conditions can cause chronic cough, including asthma, postnasal drip, and GERD. Smoking or being around secondhand smoke raises the risk of developing a chronic cough. Learn how chronic cough is diagnosed and what medications and lifestyle changes can help.

Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria (CSU)

People who develop hives that come and go for six weeks or longer – with no known trigger – are diagnosed with Chronic Spontaneous Urticaria. (It is also called Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria, or CIU.) Find out what causes CSU, how it is diagnosed, the impact on quality of life, and treatment options.

Chronic Rhinosinusitis with Nasal Polyps (CRSwNP):

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps is a medical condition characterized by inflammation and swelling of the nasal and sinus passages, accompanied by the growth of benign polyps or growths in the nasal cavity. Symptoms of this condition include persistent nasal congestion, postnasal drip, facial pressure or pain, reduced sense of smell or taste, and difficulty breathing through the nose. The condition can be managed with medications such as corticosteroids, antibiotics and nasal sprays. Surgical procedures can remove the polyps and open up the nasal passages.

Chronic Urticaria

People living with urticaria experience an itchy, painful rash on their skin. In people with chronic urticaria, the rash appears most days of the week for more than six weeks. The condition can take both a physical and psychological toll on those living with it. Learn what causes chronic urticaria, symptoms and treatment options, and how to manage chronic urticaria. Find out the differences in chronic urticaria in skin of color and how to support mental health after a diagnosis.

Cold Urticaria

Cold urticaria is a skin condition that occurs after sudden exposure to anything cold. Symptoms include swelling, itchy skin, welts, and more. In severe cases, there is a whole-body response that includes fainting, a racing heart and shock. Learn about treatment options and prevention.

Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is one of the 7 types of eczema. It is caused by either allergens or irritants. When an allergen or irritant touches skin, it can damage the skin barrier and trigger inflammation. This results in an itchy skin rash. Learn about the symptoms, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options. Get prevention tips.

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an umbrella term to describe a series of progressive lung diseases characterized by difficulty breathing. The two main COPD diseases are emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Learn what causes COPD, how it affects lung function, common symptoms to watch for, and treatment options including pulmonary rehab.

COVID-19 and Allergies

COVID-19 is a contagious respiratory illness that causes a range of symptoms including fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny or stuffy nose, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Allergy symptoms can overlap with COVID-19 symptoms. Learn how to distinguish between COVID-19 and allergies and find out treatments.

COVID-19 and Asthma

COVID-19 causes coughing and shortness of breath, but so does asthma. How to tell the two conditions apart? Learn which symptoms overlap, what to do if you have COVID-19 and asthma, and how to prevent COVID-19 so it does not worsen asthma.

Dog Allergy

Allergic reactions to dogs and other furry pets are caused by pet dander. These are proteins found in flecks of the pet’s skin, saliva and urine. The allergens can suspend in the air and settle in your indoor environment, triggering allergy and asthma symptoms. Learn more about pet allergies including symptoms, prevention, and immunotherapy.

Eczema

Eczema is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that involves itchy patches on the skin, leading to dry and scaly skin, thick skin, and open, oozing sores. It can sometimes cause infection. Get information on eczema symptoms, what triggers it, and how it’s diagnosed. Also visit our pages on eczema treatments, coping with eczema, and eczema statistics.

Eosinophilic Asthma

Eosinophilic asthma is a subtype of asthma that is often severe. This subtype is part of Type 2 (Th2) asthma and is sometimes also called eos asthma. It involves high levels of eosinophils that cause or worsen asthma symptoms. It is commonly seen in people who develop asthma in adulthood, although it may occur in children and young adults. Learn about symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, and get patient resources for eosinophilic asthma.

Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition that occurs when an increased number of inflammatory cells called eosinophils cause swelling in the esophagus, making it difficult to swallow. Learn what causes EoE, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options including biologics. Get patient resources, too.

Eye Allergy

An eye allergy, also known as allergic conjunctivitis, occurs when the protective outer covering of the eye and eyelid, called the conjunctiva, becomes swollen and inflamed due to allergens or irritants. Learn what causes eye allergies, how to address eye swelling, and what treatments are available.

Food Allergy

A food allergy is an immune system response that occurs soon after a person eats a certain food. Learn the 9 most common food allergens, how food allergies are diagnosed, why it’s important to keep a food diary, what severe symptoms to watch for, treatment, and more. Get recommendations for dining out and traveling with food allergies.

Food Intolerance

Food intolerance involves the digestion system – not the immune system – so it is different from food allergy. When a person eats a meal that causes food intolerance, it means the food is not broken down correctly in the body and causes stomach distress. Learn more about the difference between food intolerance and food allergy, common foods that cause food intolerance, and treatment options.

FPIES

Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) is a type of severe food reaction that mostly affects infants and young children. It is a non-IgE-mediated reaction to a food protein and symptoms occur in the gastrointestinal system. Learn about FPIES food triggers, symptoms, diagnosis, management and treatment. Patient resources are also available.

GERD

Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a common medical condition in which acid from the stomach flows up to the esophagus (food pipe) and trachea (windpipe). This causes irritation and inflammation. GERD can cause or worsen respiratory symptoms in people with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Find out how to manage GERD and what foods to avoid.

Health Disparities and Health Equity

Equity in healthcare is essential. It can reduce health disparities and help ALL people get the care they deserve. We spotlight health equity and social determinants of health with a focus on how it impacts African American, Hispanic/Latino, American Indian and Alaskan Natives communities. Information is available on how health literacy is connected to health disparities.

Hereditary Angioedema (HAE)

Hereditary angioedema is a rare and potentially life-threatening genetic disease that causes severe and painful swelling (edema) in the hands, feet, arms, legs, face or gastrointestinal tract. Find out how HAE is diagnosed, its common triggers, treatments and what patient resources are available.

Immunotherapy for Allergies

Allergen immunotherapy is a treatment in which patients are given a tiny dose of what they are allergic to, and then gradually larger amounts. Eventually a maintenance dose is reached. This process helps build tolerance to the allergen. It can reduce or eliminate allergy symptoms. Learn which allergens can be treated with immunotherapy, the difference between allergy shots and tablets, and how to decide if immunotherapy is right for you.

Indoor Air Quality

Ensuring good indoor air quality in the spaces that you live, work,go toschool, and play can improve your health as well as your quality of life. Many people spend the bulk of their day indoors, so it is essential to breathe healthy indoor air. Get practical tips on how to improve indoor air in the home, workplace, and at school.

Infections and Viruses

Common infections and viruses include COVID-19, influenza (the flu), RSV, pneumonia, bronchitis and Legionnaires’ disease. Learn how each of these conditions can cause or worsen respiratory diseases. Get information on viral infections, the importance of getting vaccines, and treatments.

Interstitial Lung Diseases

Interstitial lung diseasesmake up more than 200 lung disorders that primarily affect the tissues around air sacs (interstitium). Many of these rare diseases can lead to respiratory conditions and lung cancer. Interstitial lung diseases can decrease lung volume and function, making it difficult to breathe. Some of the diseases include chronic eosinophilic pneumonia, Churg-Strauss Syndrome, LAM, idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, pneumoconiosis and sarcoidosis.

Latex Allergy

Latex allergy is a reaction to proteins from the Hevea brasiliensis rubber tree sap. This milky fluid is used to manufacture more than 40,000 products, including surgical gloves, balloons, elastic bands, pacifiers and garden hoses. Learn about latex allergy symptoms, diagnosis, prevention and treatment for a severe allergic reaction. Find out what products contain latex and what foods cross-react with latex.

Mast Cell Diseases

Mast cells protect us from germs and parasites. Problems can occur with abnormal and/or overly active mast cells. Mast cell diseases (such as mastocytosis, mast cell activation syndrome and hereditary alpha-tryptasemia) are rare and may include unexplained skin rashes, abdominal pain and bloating, or severe reactions to foods, medicines, or insect stings. Learn how mast cell diseases are treated, mast cell diseases in people of color, living with mast cell disease, and mental health support for people with the conditions.

Nasal Polyps

Nasal polyps (also called nasal polyposis) are small growths that develop inside your nose. They usually occur following a cold or flu virus in which there’s inflammation in the nose. Allergens, irritants and sinus infections can also cause nasal polyps. Learn the common symptoms of nasal polyps, how they are treated, and steps you can take to prevent them.

Oral Allergy Syndrome (OAS)

Oral allergy syndrome, also known as pollen-food allergy syndrome, occurs when people with pollen allergies develop symptoms after they eat botanically related fruits and vegetables. Check out a list of foods that can trigger OAS and learn more about symptoms and treatment.

Oral Corticosteroids (OCS)

Oral corticosteroids are pills, tablets or liquids that can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions, including respiratory, allergic and skin diseases. They are primarily used to treat flare-ups of symptoms, such as for an asthma attack or an eczema flare. OCS can come with severe side effects from both short-term and long-term use.

PANDAS

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) occurs when a child’s body reacts to a strep throat infection. It attacks some of the child’s own cells (including brain cells). This can induce behavior changes in children. Learn how PANDAS is diagnosed and find out how it’s treated.

Peanut Allergy Immunotherapy Treatment

Peanut allergy immunotherapy involves giving a patient a tiny amount of peanut powder and then gradually larger amounts so their bodies build tolerance to the allergen. Learn about the different types of peanut allergy immunotherapy, including the FDA-approved treatment. Review how to evaluate the pros and cons of immunotherapy, and how to determine if the treatment is right for you or your child.

Pollen Allergy

Pollen is a fine powder released by trees, grasses and weeds. It circulates in the air and when inhaled, it causes allergy symptoms. Learn about the types of pollen, when they occur, common pollen allergy symptoms, and treatment options. Find out how to prepare for your pollen season and the impact on people with asthma.

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases (PIDD)

Primary Immunodeficiency Diseases are a group of more than 300 disorders in which part of the immune system is absent or not functioning properly. PIDD results in patients being prone to illnesses and repeat infections. It is usually an inherited condition. Learn about PIDD symptoms, diagnosis and treatment, and get answers to FAQs.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin condition in which new skin cells grow more often than usual and then pile up on existing ones. This results in thick, scaly, itchy patches of skin (called plaques). Find out the types of psoriasis, what causes it, how it’s diagnosed, and treatment options.

Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension is high blood pressure in the lungs. When vessels in the lung tissue become narrow, stiff or blocked, pressure tends to build up. This causes the heart to work harder to pump blood through the lungs. Get information on how it’s diagnosis, symptoms and treatment. Patient resources are available.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)

Respiratory viruses are common in children under 5 years of age. RSV is a virus that tends to start as an upper respiratory tract infection. It can quickly spread into the lower respiratory tract, causing severe inflammation. RSV can also affect adults, particularly those over 60. Learn more about RSV symptoms, treatment and prevention.

Shared Decision Making (SDM)

Healthcare works best when doctors and patients come together to arrive at an evidence-based treatment plan. This approach balances risks and results with a patient’s preferences and values. This is called Shared Decision Making. Learn about the benefits of SDM, its role in personalized medicine, and the different types of SDM tools for people with asthma, allergies and atopic dermatitis.

Sinusitis

Sinusitis occurs when sinuses become congested, causing nasal tissues to become inflamed and swollen. As mucus accumulates in the sinuses, it provides a breeding ground for germs to grow, and infection sets in. Learn more about sinusitis symptoms, treatment, prevention, and its prevalence in young children.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apneaoccurs when muscles relax during sleep, causing soft tissue in the throat to break down and block the upper airway. This can result in a less airflow and oxygen making its way to the lungs, causing episodes of gasping, gagging, choking and coughing. Learn about sleep apnea symptoms, diagnosis and treatments, as well as its impact on people with asthma.

Type 2 Inflammation

Type 2 inflammation is an overactive immune response. When a person has an allergic reaction, the immune system responds by activating immune cells and antibodies. These cells include eosinophils, mast cells and T-cells that release histamine and cause inflammation. In some people, the immune system produces excess inflammation, leading to severe symptoms. Learn how Type 2 inflammation affects respiratory, allergic and skin diseases, and what treatments are available.

Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Vocal Cord Dysfunctionoccurs when your vocal cords close instead of opening as you inhale. Symptoms can look and feel a lot like asthma. Get information on how VCD is diagnosed, common triggers, symptoms and treatment. Find out the differences between VCD and asthma.