Do treating allergens improve long-term asthma control?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 46-year-old woman who has been controlling my asthma for the past eight years with a preventer and a rescue inhaler. I have definitely noticed my symptoms worsening over the past 18 months, particularly in the springtime.

I frequently get long spells of chest tightness and wheezing even when I am at rest. I am worried now because I am using my rescue inhaler nearly every day instead of just sometimes. I believe environmental allergens are making my asthma harder to control.

So what would be the best thing to do at my age? Should I get allergy testing done so I can know what I am allergic to and better manage my asthma rather than just changing meds?
If you do find some allergens, is treatment generally effective in improving asthma control in the long term?
I’m getting more and more worried I could be at risk of a bad asthma attack without a full allergy test.

I would appreciate your advice on what to do next.

Thank you very much for your time and for your advice.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I have gone through your history and have seen the situation you are now facing.

If you are experiencing chest tightness, worsening symptoms in certain seasons, and frequent use of your rescue inhaler, you might be experiencing a flare-up of your asthma.

If your symptoms worsen in the spring, it may be allergies. It is a good time to get allergy tested. Asthma management is successful when you understand your symptom triggers. But switching inhalers without knowing the cause may not be as helpful.

We will base our long-term therapy on allergy testing. If we can pinpoint specific allergens, then we can focus on avoiding those triggers, or we can look at treatments like immunotherapy. The more people with the same symptoms find a treatment plan that works, the better they feel and the less they use their inhaler.

It is normal to be worried about asthma attacks that are more severe. Using your rescue inhaler more often is a warning sign that your asthma may be getting worse. The next best thing is to do a thorough evaluation that includes allergy testing and looking at your current medications so that you get the best treatment.

I hope this answers your worries.

Thanks.