Tuesday, September 15, 2009

How does an allergic reaction cause asthma symptoms?


An allergic response affects the lining of the nose and the lining of the airways in a similar way. Symptoms occur when antibodies in your blood are exposed to an allergy-causing substance (allergen). These antibodies can trigger allergy symptoms such as nasal congestion, scratchy eyes or a skin reaction — and for many, inflammation of the airways associated with asthma.
For example, if your immune system produces allergy antibodies when you're exposed to cats, you're said to have a cat allergy. Proteins in cat fur or cat dander trigger the release of chemicals that cause inflammation and swelling in the lining of the nose. If you have allergic asthma, your reaction to cat fur or dander can also cause the lower airways to become inflamed, triggering asthma symptoms.

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