Allergy to insects is quite common, particularly in the monsoon season when different species of insects breed and multiply. Insects have very short life and when they die, their wings and bodies become part of the ground dust. After drying and disintegration, when such dust is inhaled, it can cause allergic asthma. Asthma due to cockroach remnants is very common and present throughout the year. Insect stings that most commonly cause allergic asthma reactions:
Some people with asthma are allergic to insects at home. The degree of reaction produced depends upon the type and quantity of venom introduced.
But in some people the venom acts as an antigen and, with the antibodies already present, causes an allergic reaction. Kill these insects before they can make you suffer with severe asthmatic attacks. Insects that most commonly trigger asthmatic reactions on stinging include:
What symptoms usually occur on an allergic reaction to insect stings?
Allergic reactions to insect stings can bring in a sudden asthmatic attack which can also be life threatening. This severe reaction at times becomes a medical emergency. Symptoms include:
* swelling of the throat and tongue * difficulty in breathing * dizziness * wheezing * headache * cough * rapid fall in blood pressure * chest tightness * loss of consciousness
What causes insect induced asthma?
Although the actual cause of such type of asthma is not known, studies have shown that several factors can lead to the outbreak of asthma. These factors include hereditary, development and growth of a person's lungs and immune system, infections, allergies and his response to the environment.
It is difficult to conclude as to what causes asthma. We can generally say that a person is prone to asthma if-
* there is a family history of insect related asthma, or allergy to insects. * many aspects of modern lifestyles ? such as changes diet(if including shrimps, lobsters etc in diet), surrounding environment, pets staying in the same house (who may be carriers of insects on their coats) * sudden influx of a horde of insects in residential areas can make asthma symptoms worse * Irritants are found at home or workplace leading to a person developing asthma .
Treatment for asthma causing insect stings:
Immediate medical aid for highly-allergic people include:
* If possible, immediately remove the stinger. Be careful not to squeeze the area, which may force the venom into the body and worsen the situation. * Use an inhaler immediately after an insect bite as a precautionary method. * Seek emergency medical care as soon as possible.
A visit to an allergist or your asthma doctor becomes must on the start of symptoms to manage the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of allergies and asthma.
He might suggest allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy treatment. Venom immunotherapy shots are effective in curing allergic reactions.
Medical treatment will be based on:
* extent of the reaction * the tolerance towards specific medications, or therapies
Since you are prone to asthma caused by insects, keep prescribed medications handy at all times and follow the attached instructions if you are stung. These medications are for immediate emergency use while going to a hospital.
What can be done to prevent these triggers?
Avoidance of insects is the best preventive measure. To control these allergens, one can do the following:
* Use cockroach or insect baits/traps. * When outdoors, be careful of eating or drinking uncovered foods or beverages, which can attract insects. * Be well covered when outdoors ? keep exposure minimum. * Avoid walking barefoot, and wear closed shoes when walking in grassy areas. * When gardening, watch for insect nests in trees, and flower beds. * Other areas in which to be careful: swimming pools, under leaves, trash containers. * Have your home sprayed with insecticide - but not when you're present there. Be sure that the repellent is aired out for a couple of hours before you come home. * Never swat at a flying insect. If need be, gently brush it aside or wait for it to leave. * Garbage cans stored outside should be covered with tight-fitting lids. * Avoid sweet-smelling perfumes, hair sprays, colognes and deodorants.
Avoid wearing bright-colored clothing so that you do not attract insects.
Where one should look for presence of fungus growth? Inside house:
* Damp walls * Damp places such as bathrooms, basement * Refrigerator * Furniture * Shoes, leather belts * Paper, old newspaper * Bread, potato, red chilli
Outside house:
* Piles of leaves * Cow-buffalo dung * All organic material * Wood
How does fungus trigger asthma?
Fungi release tiny seeds called spores into the air, which can trigger asthma symptoms in some people. These spores are found in any damp place ? from piles of fallen tree leaves and woody areas, bathrooms, kitchens, damp leather articles and even piles of damp clothes.
For people sensitive to fungi, inhaling fungi spores can cause an asthma attack leading from moderate to severe. Indoor fungal exposure also contributes to asthma severity. Many patients complain that their asthma is aggravated by damp housing, especially if there is visible fungi growth. Fungi can be found almost anywhere; they grow on virtually any substance when moisture is present.
What are the symptoms?
Allergic reactions to fungus can range from mild to severe and from transitory to chronic. Symptoms differ from person to person depending on the type of fungi and the resistance power of the person. However some of the common characteristics of asthma due to fungal allergens include:
* Chest tightness * Wheezing * Recurrent symptoms of fever and the presence of pulmonary infiltrates * Fatigue * Cough, sneezing, itching * Nasal discharge * Dyspnea that worsens with exposure to the allergen
Symptoms typically occur within an hour of exposure. This type of asthma occurence is more common in farmers, bakers, dairymen, carpenters, and mushroom growers who are exposed to high levels of fungus.
Treatment:
Fungi related asthma cannot be cured. But the symptoms of the allergy can be reduced by avoiding contact with the spores. Several preventive measures and a bit of alertness on behalf of the person will help.
Most asthma patients of this kind have mild symptoms which are well controlled with anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator therapy; but a minority of asthma patients land up with life threatening severe airway inflammation and airflow obstruction requiring hospital admissions.
Medications should always be taken on the advise of a medical practitioner.
What actions should one take to prevent fungus related asthma attacks?
If fungi is a problem in your home, you need to clean it up and eliminate sources of moisture. There is no practical way to eliminate all fungus indoors; the way to control indoor fungi growth is to control moisture.
* Ensure the house is well ventilated. * Avoid areas (such as gardens or compost) that may contain fungi spores. * Wash the fungus off hard surfaces with soap and water; and dry completely. Moisture absorbent materials may need to be replaced if they are contaminated with fungus. * Fix up leaking or blocked taps, pipes and other sources of water. * Keep your air conditioner, refrigerator clean and dry. * Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms when showering, cooking. * Expel clothes dryer to the outside. * Maintain low indoor humidity, ideally between 30-50% relative humidity. Fungus grows on damp things such as shower curtains, bath items, tubs, basins, damp clothes, shoes. * Remember to dry leather articles well in humid season, especially belts, jackets, shoes. * Check fungus growth in the water cooler & air conditioners and remove it by using fungal killers. * Indoor plants should be avoided. * Use air conditioning with a high efficiency particulate air filter attachment. It will help trap spores before they enter the house. * Fungicides may be added to paint, primer or wallpaper paste to slow fungus growth on treated areas. * Clean garbage pails frequently. * Polyurethane and rubber foams are especially prone to fungus invasion. If bedding is made ith these foams, it should be covered in plastic. * Throw away old books, newspapers, clothing or bedding. * Completely shaded homes dry slowly, and surrounding dense bushes and other plants often promote dampness. In the winter, condensation on cold walls encourage fungal growth. Take care of all this.
If you think you have a fungi related asthma problem and can see fungi growth in your house and around, simply clean the fungus from the surface it's growing on and dry the surface thoroughly. That's the only way you can prevent a visit to the doctor.
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