The Inflammation Connection: How Allergies Influence Asthma Over Time

Allergies don’t just cause temporary symptoms like sneezing or itchy eyes — they can also drive ongoing inflammation in different parts of the body. Over time, this immune response can influence conditions affecting the skin, airways, and other systems. In this series, The Inflammation Connection, we explore how allergic inflammation may play a role in several related conditions and why understanding the underlying immune response matters. Here, we examine how allergic inflammation relates to asthma.

Allergic Link

A recent study showed that among people with asthma, 82% also had allergy symptoms. 67% actually had an allergy diagnosis. So how do the two conditions relate?

When environmental allergens are inhaled, the body can interpret the allergens as harmful and respond by releasing histamine and triggering inflammation. Some experience that inflammation and irritation directly in their lungs, and then have asthma symptoms, including:

• Wheezing relieved by a bronchodilator such as albuterol
• Cough
• Chest tightness
• Frequent respiratory infections

Those with seasonal allergies may experience their asthma symptoms seasonally, while others are exposed to their allergen year-round and feel the symptoms near-constantly. Some have allergic reactions to irritants, smoke, foods, or allergens that are hard to avoid.

To determine if asthma is allergy-related, it’s best to get a thorough exam, history, and applicable testing from an allergy provider. This will help determine the root cause, and ways to avoid bothersome flare-ups.

Long-Term Impacts

One of the main long-term impacts of leaving allergic asthma untreated is permanent changes to the lungs. Research shows that “persistent inflammation in airway tissues may lead to structural changes known as airway remodeling and consequently airway obstruction that is not fully reversible and progressive loss of lung function over time.”

These changes can lead to more severe symptoms, and asthma attacks occurring more often.

Those affected can also experience reduced quality of life. Some activities – like hiking, exercising, being outdoors – become harder to do. Sleep can be disrupted. Missing out on work, school, or life activities due to flare ups become the norm. These, among other things, can considerably impact someone's day to day life.

Treating the Cause

Treating asthma early is important because some lung changes can become harder to reverse over time. But it’s never too late to take steps that improve allergy and asthma control.

Providers at AAOL treat allergies with sublingual immunotherapy – or allergy drops. Allergy drops are a liquid drop taken under the tongue three times daily. In each drop are tiny amounts of the allergens that make you sick, determined by testing, history, and exam. Over time, the amount is slowly and safely increased, so that the body learns to tolerate more of it, and therefore reduces symptoms and reactions.

Hear how treatment has helped patients with asthma and allergy, and reach out to AAOL with questions or to schedule your first appointment.