In plain English: Allergies are the alarm system. Asthma is when the lungs join the drama.
Allergies and asthma are related, but they are not the same thing.
Allergies happen when the immune system overreacts to something it sees as harmful or a threat, things like pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, foods, or insect stings. The trigger is called an allergen. The reaction may show up as sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, hives, rashes, swelling, sinus pressure, or digestive symptoms.
Asthma is a lung and airway condition. The airways become inflamed, sensitive, narrowed, and reactive. Asthma may cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.
The difference: Allergies are an immune system reaction. Asthma is an airway and breathing reaction.
Where they overlap:
Allergies can trigger asthma. This is often called allergic asthma.
Asthma can be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors, including a family history of asthma or allergies, exposure to tobacco smoke, pollution, allergens such as pollen or pet dander, respiratory infections, and certain occupational exposures like chemicals or dust.
Additionally, respiratory irritants, cold air, and physical exertion can exacerbate asthma symptoms in susceptible individuals.
Yes, allergies can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. This is commonly called allergic asthma. Common triggers include pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander, cockroach particles, and sometimes certain foods or medications in people who are allergic to them.
This does not mean every person with allergies has asthma. It also does not mean every person with asthma has allergies. But the two often travel together like co-dependent roommates.
From a chiropractic perspective, our role is supportive. We are not replacing inhalers, allergy medication, testing, or medical management.
At AFC AZ we provide The Alpha 5 Phase System. In the Realign phase, we look at the structure that breathing lives inside: the thoracic spine, ribs, neck, shoulders, and posture. If the rib cage does not move well, the entire breathing apparatus has to work harder.
Chiropractic care focuses on improving spinal alignment, particularly in the thoracic spine or midback area, to enhance your respiratory function and reduce nerve interference.
Alongside spinal adjustments, chiropractors may recommend breathing exercises, lifestyle modifications, and dietary changes to support respiratory health and minimize asthma symptoms. Finding a way to getting into good physical shape, without triggering the breathing difficulties is key and requires Trial and Error and Patience for both you and the doctor.
Most of our patients who suffer with Asthma/Allergy find their chiropractic care and schedule to be pivotal in managing and reducing their suffering.
Here's a classic pattern: You gets exposed to pollen, dust, mold, pets, or another trigger, then your nose and sinuses fire up, then you get a cough or chest tightness starts. Your upper airway gets irritated first, then your lower airway joins the party. And then the "elephant is sitting on your chest".
Allergy-induced asthma may include regular allergy symptoms PLUS asthma symptoms.
Allergy symptoms may include sneezing, congestion, runny nose, itchy eyes, sinus pressure, postnasal drip, or throat irritation.
Asthma symptoms may include coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or feeling like you cannot get a full breath.
That said, breathing symptoms should be taken seriously: wheezing, chest tightness, trouble breathing, blue lips, confusion, severe shortness of breath, or symptoms not improving with prescribed rescue medication need urgent medical care.
Our ALPHA 5 PHASE SYSTEM is built on first creating relief. Once you being to feel better, we move on to
REALIGN: Your correct spinal positioning and stacking mechanisms
REBUILD: the muscular integrity of your musculoskeletal system, including your respiratory muscles
RETRAIN: the ligaments and non elastic soft tissue to maintain all of this newly built alignment and muscular system
RECLAIM: the activities and lifestyle that you desire
If you are pretty sure about the allergies or asthma, but are not so sure about trying chiropractic, no problem.
Schedule THE BODY FIX ASSESSMENT
It is a quick and easy way for you to come in and check the place out,
meet the doctor and staff,
have a conversation about your health and ask questions.
The goal is that when you leave you either
A) Are ready to be a New Patient in our office
B) You are ready to be a New Patient in someone else's office
C) You have a different (specific) direction for you to start heading.
That's it: no pressure.