|
Want to become a member?
Sign up here! |
|
Asthma
Identifying triggersWhen asthma is diagnosed, it is important to figure out whether an allergic reaction is involved, and also to identify the trigger factors that set off a reaction. Avoiding or reducing your exposure to the allergens and trigger factors that affect you is the key to controlling asthma symptoms, and may mean you will rely less on medications.Getting a good diagnosis is crucial. Allergies can be diagnosed with a skin prick test or RAST blood test administered by an experienced doctor or allergy specialist. A skin prick test works by placing drops of a variety of allergen extracts on the forearm and scratching the surface of the skin underneath. If a reaction is observed at the site of the scratch, then an allergy to the particular substance is suspected. The test must be interpreted in conjunction with a thorough symptom history. Keeping a symptom diary of activities undertaken around the time of onset of asthma attacks may be helpful in uncovering trigger factors. Avoiding triggersOnce you've identified an allergy, it is important to take steps to reduce or eliminate your exposure to the offending substance.The most common allergens associated with asthma are airborne allergens in the home: |