Are Asthma and Allergies Connected? | Family Allergy & Asthma

If you have asthma and allergies, you’re not alone—these two conditions are closely connected, and many people experience both. In fact, allergic asthma is the most common type of asthma, meaning allergens like pollen, pet dander or dust mites can easily trigger breathing difficulties. While allergies and asthma are different conditions, they often go hand in hand, and managing one can help control the other.

So, how exactly are asthma and allergies related? And how can you tell if your symptoms are caused by one, the other or both? Our board-certified allergists have answers. Let’s break it down in a way that makes it easy to understand.

Are asthma and allergies related?

Both asthma and allergies involve your immune system overreacting to things that aren’t actually harmful. This can include pollen, pet dander or even dust mites.

With allergies, your immune system thinks something harmless (like grass pollen) is a threat and overreacts by releasing histamines. This can lead to sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.

With asthma, your immune system reacts by causing inflammation in your airways, making it harder to breathe. If you have allergic asthma, exposure to allergens can trigger not just allergy symptoms, but also asthma symptoms like wheezing, coughing and chest tightness.

What’s the difference between allergy and asthma symptoms?

It’s easy to confuse allergy symptoms with asthma symptoms, especially when they overlap. Here’s how you can tell the difference:

It’s likely allergies if…you’re sneezing, have a runny or stuffy nose, itchy eyes or postnasal drip. These symptoms primarily affect the nose and eyes, and while they can be annoying, they don’t usually cause breathing problems on their own.

It’s like asthma if…you’re wheezing, short of breath, feel tightness in your chest, or have a persistent cough (especially at night or after exercise). Asthma directly affects the lungs and airways, causing them to narrow and make breathing difficult.
It may be allergic asthma if…you notice that your asthma symptoms tend to flare up after exposure to allergens (like pet hair or pollen).

A simple way to figure out what’s causing your symptoms is to pay attention to your triggers. Do you start sneezing and feeling congested right after walking outside on a high-pollen day? That’s allergies. But if you start wheezing after petting a cat or after an intense workout, it could be asthma.

Unsure? Schedule an exam with your board-certified allergist! These specialists are well-trained and equipped to run allergy tests and asthma tests that pinpoint what’s behind your symptoms.

What allergy triggers can worsen asthma symptoms?

If you have both asthma and allergies, certain allergens can trigger both sets of symptoms. The most common culprits include:

Pollen — This seasonal allergen can trigger hay fever and asthma symptoms, especially in the spring and fall.
Dust Mites — These tiny creatures hide in bedding, carpets and furniture and can trigger allergies and asthma year-round.
Pet Dander — Pet hair itself isn’t the problem. It’s pet dander…or more specifically, it’s the proteins in your pet’s skin flakes, saliva and urine that can irritate your lungs.
Mold — Found in damp places like bathrooms and basements, mold spores can cause allergy symptoms and asthma flare-ups.
Strong Odors and Smoke — Perfumes, cleaning chemicals and cigarette smoke can irritate the airways and trigger asthma symptoms.

Once you identify your triggers, you can take steps to minimize your exposure and prevent flare-ups. Find a board-certified allergist near you to help create a personalized allergy and asthma treatment plan.

How do I manage allergies and asthma?

If you have both allergies and asthma, managing one can often help with the other. Simple ways to keep your symptoms under control include the following:

Avoid your triggers.

Since allergens can set off both allergy and asthma symptoms, reducing your exposure is a top priority. Try these simple steps:

Use an air purifier to remove airborne allergens.
Keep windows closed during peak pollen seasons.
Establish a regular cleaning schedule for your home.
Wash bedding in hot water weekly to kill dust mites.
Bathe pets regularly to reduce dander buildup.

Take the right medications.

Your doctor may recommend a variety of medications to manage and control your allergy and asthma symptoms, depending on the severity and specific triggers. These medications may include:

Antihistamines block the effects of histamine, a substance released by the body during an allergic reaction that causes symptoms like sneezing, itching and runny nose.
Decongestants reduce swelling and congestion in the nasal passages, making it easier to breathe.
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation in the airways, making them effective for controlling asthma symptoms and managing severe allergies.
Inhalers relax the muscles in the airways, making it easier to breathe.
Leukotriene inhibitors block the action of leukotrienes, substances that contribute to inflammation and airway narrowing in asthma. They are used to treat both asthma and allergy inflammation.

Remember to always consult with your allergy doctor to determine the most appropriate medication and treatment plan for your specific needs.

Consider allergy shots (immunotherapy).

If your allergies are making your asthma worse, allergy shots (also called immunotherapy) can gradually help your immune system become less sensitive to allergens. Over time, this may reduce both allergy and asthma symptoms.

To learn more about immunotherapy treatment, read our article, “Allergy Shots: A Long-Term Solution To Allergy Symptoms,” and explore our blog for more helpful information.

Develop an asthma action plan.

An asthma action plan is a personalized guide that helps you manage your asthma daily and know exactly what to do if your symptoms worsen. Your board-certified allergist can help create a step-by-step plan tailored to your specific triggers, symptoms and medication needs. A proper asthma action plan outlines steps to:

Recognizing early warning signs of an asthma attack.
Identifying which allergens or activities make symptoms worse.
Knowing when to use your medication and when to seek medical help.

For an in-depth guide to asthma plans, read “The Asthma Action Plan: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Symptoms.”

Ready for asthma and allergy relief?

If you’re dealing with frequent asthma attacks, worsening allergy symptoms or difficulty breathing, it’s time to see an allergist. At Family Allergy & Asthma, our trusted allergy and asthma specialists are ready to guide patients toward relief. With locations across the nation, support is always close to home. Contact us today to schedule your next allergy or asthma appointment.

About Family Allergy & Asthma

Founded in 1979, Family Allergy & Asthma’s practice network of allergy and asthma specialists provides high-quality, reliable and lasting allergy relief throughout Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Tennessee, and includes affiliates Allergy & Asthma Specialists (AAS), Asthma and Allergy Associates of Florida (AAAF) and Arkansas Allergy and Asthma Clinic (AAAC). For more information, visit www.familyallergy.com, and follow Family Allergy & Asthma on Facebook, Instagram and X.