Dealing with allergies can be really infuriating and uncomfortable—the constant sneezing and coughing, itchiness, and other symptoms. What makes it even worse is that they can be difficult to avoid since allergens are present everywhere, even in the comfort of your own home. It can also be mistaken for asthma, colds, or flu, making it more concerning, especially when left untreated.

Whether your allergies are severe or not, relying on home remedies and medications you just saw on the Internet or were recommended by someone is risky. It could even worsen your condition. Remember: just because the same treatment worked for someone else doesn’t mean it will work for you, too. There are different types of allergies out there, and they affect people differently. There are also instances when allergies might coexist with asthma. Thus, it’s absolutely vital to understand their differences and treatments.

Allergies and Asthma: What are the Differences?

Although allergies and asthma are often linked together, you still need to identify their differences to help you manage your symptoms. Allergies are an abnormal reaction of the immune system to substances called allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, animal dander, and certain foods.

Feather
Allergies are an abnormal reaction of the immune system to substances called allergens. Picnic

Its symptoms depend on the substance you inhale, but common signs include sneezing, coughing, a runny or stuffy nose, and itchy or watery eyes. These are the different types of allergies:

  • Seasonal allergy (Pollen allergy, dust allergy, hay fever)
  • Mold allergy
  • Pet allergy
  • Food allergy
  • Drug allergy
  • Skin allergy
  • Eye allergy
  • Insect sting allergy
  • Latex allergy

On the other hand, asthma is a chronic lung disease that makes breathing difficult due to narrow and inflamed airways caused by sinusitis, colds, flu, and allergens. It can be associated with either an allergic or a non-allergic reaction. Among the triggers of non-allergic asthma are the following:

  • Smoke
  • Infections of the airway
  • Weather conditions
  • Air pollution
  • Strong chemical odors
  • Perfume or scented products
  • Intense emotions
  • Stress

Asthma can be managed with medication, depending on how severe it is and how frequent the symptoms are. However, in some cases, the symptoms may persist, which may result in an asthma attack. The symptoms of asthma include:

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain or tightness
  • Trouble sleeping

Both conditions can be triggered by allergens, making breathing difficult. They have common symptoms that link them together, as well, which leads to allergic asthma.

Allergic Asthma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma linked to allergic reactions caused by common allergens, such as pollen, dust mites, mold, and pet dander. Your lungs become inflamed as you inhale or get exposed to an allergen that triggers the immune system to produce too much immunoglobulin E (IgE).

The symptoms of allergic asthma are similar to asthma, as previously discussed. However, if you’re experiencing hay fever or skin allergies, other symptoms may occur, such as:

  • Itchy or flaky skin
  • A runny nose
  • Itchy or watery eyes
  • Rashes

The treatment of allergic asthma entails treating both allergies and asthma with medications like inhalers. You also have to manage your allergy symptoms by identifying the triggers and finding ways to avoid them. Allergens may be found on your mattress or pillow, clothes, air conditioner, or garden.

Where to Get a Safe, Effective, and Accessible Allergy Treatment

It would be best to determine whether you’re experiencing allergies or asthma because they have different treatments. There’s a tendency to choose an ineffective or unsafe treatment if you don’t consult with a doctor first. Picnic makes it easy to find the best treatment for you. From antihistamines to nasal sprays and eye drops, they offer different treatments that can effectively manage your symptoms.

Picnic App
Picnic makes it easy to find the best treatment for you. Picnic

Picnic teamed up with top allergists to develop an online quiz that creates a highly-personalized treatment plan based on your medical history, symptoms, and preferences. So, instead of risking an over-the-counter medication you’re unsure of, why not settle for a treatment that will give you maximum relief?

How Does Picnic Work?

Get the right treatment by taking an online allergy quiz designed by allergists. The quiz will help determine your symptoms and exact needs. You can answer the quiz in just three minutes—no doctor visits required. Picnic will then give you medicine recommendations and a treatment plan to help you understand your condition better.

Picnic Allergy Treatment
Get the right treatment by taking an online allergy quiz designed by allergists. Picnic

If you need prescription medication, you'll take an online consultation and a Picnic doctor can prescribe it once they determine it's a good fit for you. Either way, your personalized medications or Allergy Pack will be delivered to your doorstep even before your allergy strikes to relieve or prevent your symptoms.

Eliminate sneezing, coughing, runny noses, and other distressing allergy symptoms with the help of Picnic’s effective and accessible allergy consultation and treatment.