Allergies

[Msccruises]

Dr. Has now prescribed Polaraminefor allergies that might be acerbating the asthma.

I don't know what I might be allergic to except the heat/ cool/ humidity in the Costa Blanca.

Should I ask for or get an allergy test

[ChrissieMons]

It would be helpful to know what allergies you have, certainly. Try keeping a diary to see if certain circumstances make you worse, as a starting point.

[Lysistrata Administrator Community Ambassador]

HI, I wanted to say it's worth remembering there's a difference between allergies and asthma triggers. Not all asthma is allergic and not all asthma triggers are allergies, but some allergies can trigger asthma. The weather conditions you describe as being an issue for you are asthma triggers, but not allergies. The medication you mention is specifically for allergies that may also be triggers.

I hope I'm not telling you anything you already know, but I feel it's important to say this as asthma triggers that are not allergic will not show up on allergy tests as they don't work the same way in the body. An allergic response is just one way your airways can be affected in asthma. And sometimes even specifically allergic responses like pollen or animals can be missed on allergy tests.

As Chrissie says, a diary or similar is probably the best approach - then you can start to understand all your triggers, not just the allergic ones.

[Msccruises in reply to Lysistrata]

Thank you so much. This site is so helpful

[strongmouse in reply to Msccruises]

I developed allergies long before I had asthma. Consequently I have had quite a few allergy tests over the years, the last ones were done by a GP specialising in allergies. Keeping a diary is helpful. Allergens which exacerbate my asthma include various pollens throughout the year and moulds. It helps to know when they occur. Dust and smoke from fires or cigarettes are irritants which can also cause my asthma to be worse.

I remember visiting Spain one hot summer and the dust set my chest off along with car fumes in villages and towns with heavy traffic. The heat acts like a blanket keeping the pollution near the ground.

I would keep a diary and ask GP for allergy testing, especially if the antihistamine is helping you.