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Allergies and asthma: They often occur together

Who's at risk of allergic asthma?

A family history of allergies is a major risk factor for allergic asthma. Having hay fever or other allergies yourself also increases your risk of getting asthma.

Is all asthma caused by allergies?

Though allergic asthma is the one of the most common kinds of asthma, there are other types with different kinds of triggers. For example, for some people, asthma can be triggered by exercise, infections, cold air or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Many people have more than one kind of asthma trigger.

Take charge: Get symptoms under control

Know the things that trigger your allergy and asthma symptoms and learn how to limit your exposure to them. Work with your doctor to find the best treatment to manage your symptoms, and check in with your doctor on a regular basis. Because allergy and asthma symptoms can change over time, you may need to adjust your treatment accordingly. Learn the signs that your asthma may be flaring up — and know what to do when it does.

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References
  1. Platts-Mills TA, et al. Allergen avoidance in the treatment of asthma and allergic rhinitis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 13, 2010.
  2. Ryan MW. Asthma and rhinitis: Comorbidities. Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America. 2008;41:283.
  3. Expert panel report 3 (EPR-3): Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of asthma. Bethesda, Md.: National Institutes of Health. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/asthma/06_sec3_comp3.pdf. Accessed July 13, 2010.
  4. Fanta CH, et al. An overview of asthma management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 13, 2010.
  5. Updated information on leukotriene inhibitors: Montelukast (marketed as Singulair), zafirlukast (marketed as Accolate), and zileuton (marketed as Zyflo and Zyflo CR). U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/ucm165489.htm. Accessed July 13, 2010
  6. Morgan JM. Trigger control to enhance asthma management. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 13, 2010.
AA00045 Sept. 17, 2010

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