by Jacob Umscheid, MD, Chair of Pediatrics, Sun Life Health
This can be a tricky question, as both are results of a similar mechanism: an overactive immune response.
Typically, our immune system responds to insults like viruses, bacteria and fungi to protect our body from significant harm. In some cases, someone may have an overactive immune system, where instead of attacking the dangerous insults that can harm us, our immune system attacks routine particles all around us that mean us no harm — pet dander, pollen, dust, etc.
This response causes symptoms depending on the location of insult. If aimed at your eyes you can get itchy and tearful eyes. If in the nose, you can get a runny nose, nasal congestion and post-nasal drip.
If you are breathing in these particles, you can get an itchy mouth, a cough and wheezing. In fact, any part of the body that comes into contact with these insults in a person with an overreactive immune system can result in disease processes — such as allergic rhinitis, eczema, food intolerance and even asthma.
In asthma, an overactive immune response results in hyperreactivity along the bronchi (the tubes of the airway), which can result in inflammation and spasms of the airway. When this occurs, you can develop a chronic cough, wheezing, inability to keep up with others, and in severe cases shortness of breath.
Asthma and allergies are frequently found hand in hand and can be mistaken for one or the other. It is important to be able to identify any triggers that may result in activating an overactive immune system.
Some triggers are easier to identify and avoid such as pet dander, dust mites and secondhand smoke exposure whereas some are more challenging to eliminate such as tree and grass pollens.
Thankfully therapies exist that can help calm down an overactive immune system and with the right evaluation can significantly improve one’s quality of life.
If you are uncertain, schedule an evaluation for your child at our Pediatric Asthma Clinic, catering to children younger than 19. Contact 520.836.5036 to book your appointment now.
