May is selected to be National Asthma and Allergy Awareness month because it is peak season for allergy and asthma sufferers.  Asthma and allergies go hand in hand, because many times, an allergy may head to an asthma attack. 

What is Asthma?

Asthma is a long-term lung disease that causes inflammation and narrowing of a person’s airways, making it difficult to breathe. Asthma symptoms affect roughly 26 million americans and is one of the leading causes of absences from work and school. 

Asthma can be classified as either being allergic (symptoms are caused by exposure to an allergen) or nonallergic (symptoms are caused by stress, exercise, or irritants). Regardless of the classification, all patients with asthma have the following classic symptoms: coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and wheezing. 

All of these symptoms may be managed and controlled through proper medication use. 

What is an allergy?

An allergy occurs when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance, called an allergen. This reaction could cause coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, runny nose and a scratchy throat. In severe cases, it can cause rashes, hives, and even asthma attacks. 

There are many different types of allergens, including pollen, spores, animal dander, foods, medications, latex, and even insects. 

Want more information? Visit the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s Website or ask one of our pharmacists.