Millions of individuals in India suffer from asthma, and for many, commonplace environmental factors exacerbate their symptoms. Allergens are triggers that can cause wheezing, coughing, and breathing difficulties. Understanding what triggers asthma flare-ups is crucial given India’s mix of dusty cities and pollen-filled rural areas. The top five asthma allergens in India are examined in this article.
What are Asthma Allergens?
Substances that cause asthma symptoms in sensitive people are known as asthma allergens. Pollen, dust mites, pet dander, specific foods, and even skin contact with allergens are common examples. Upon inhalation or contact, they can trigger an overreaction by the immune system, resulting in the release of IgE antibodies, which induce inflammation, frequently leading to an asthma attack.
How do Allergens Trigger Asthma?
When a person with asthma comes into contact with an allergen, their immune system misinterprets it as dangerous and releases substances such as histamine. As a result, mucus accumulates, the muscles around the airways tighten, and the airways swell. Breathing becomes challenging as a result, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing, and wheezing.
Top 5 Asthma Allergens in India
Aeroallergens (airborne allergens) play an important role in respiratory allergic diseases, especially asthma. House dust mites, pollen, mold spores, smoke and air pollution, and cockroach droppings are the top 5 asthma allergens in India. These allergens are frequently present in urban settings, residences, and outdoor air. Particularly in humid climates, during the monsoon season, or in places with inadequate ventilation and elevated pollution levels, they aggravate asthma by producing allergic reactions and inflammation of the airways.
1. House Dust Mites: Although there are many distinct allergens in house dust, mites are the main source of the allergen. The bed is a frequent location for house dust mites, as pillows, mattresses, and quilts act as harbors for the allergen. Additionally, upholstered furniture and carpets may have high mite counts.
2. Pollen: Pollen allergens, which come from grasses, trees, and weeds, are important in an asthmatic allergic reaction. The morbidity of pollen-induced allergic asthma is increasing due to a number of causes, including urbanization, biodiversity loss, and climate change (particularly with regard to extreme weather events, temperature changes, and altered weather patterns).
3. Mold: Indoor mold has frequently been linked to asthma symptoms in the residents of the afflicted home; wheezing is roughly twice as common in homes that have been documented to have mold. Dead plant matter, including leaves, is broken down by external molds. Molds typically grow within wet spaces like basements, bathrooms, and near windows.
4. Air Pollution: A complex mixture of contaminants, including liquid and solid particles suspended in the atmosphere, causes air pollution. Pollutants come into contact with the respiratory system, which triggers the local inflammatory processes in the lungs. Through the action of inflammatory cells, this inflammation then spreads throughout the body. Additionally, household pollution raises the risk of respiratory illnesses in both adults and children.
5. Smoke: Exposure to smoke causes changes in the airway microstructure and incites the inflammatory processes of asthma. Additionally, patients with asthma who are exposed to forms of smoke may present an accelerated rate of decline in lung function and may develop persistent airflow obstruction.
Read Also: Is Asthma a Communicable Disease?
How to Reduce Asthma Allergen Exposure?
Finding your triggers is the first step towards lowering your exposure to asthma allergens. Use bedding that is allergen-proof and clean frequently to reduce dust mites. During pollen season, utilize air purifiers and keep windows closed. Fix leaks and maintain adequate ventilation to prevent mold. Keep dogs out of bedrooms and practice good kitchen hygiene to ward off insects. Also, avoid smoke, strong odors, and air pollution. Simple lifestyle changes can greatly improve asthma management.
Conclusion
Asthma is a chronic respiratory disorder affecting millions of individuals. There are several allergens that trigger asthma, which can be either indoor allergens or outdoor allergens. Reducing exposure to allergens is vital to the management of asthma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Indeed, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and cockroach droppings are among the typical asthma allergens found in homes, particularly in humid or dusty environments. When these allergens are inhaled from surfaces like furniture and carpets, or even from pets or bugs, they can cause asthma symptoms.
Use allergen-proof bedding coverings, wash bedding in hot water, and clean often with moist dusting and vacuuming to minimize exposure to asthma allergens at home. Reduce pet exposure, maintain enough ventilation, address leaks, and keep humidity levels below 50%. Avoid smoking indoors, use air filters, and get rid of mold and vermin as soon as possible.
Yes, asthma can be triggered by changes in the weather. Severe weather changes, excessive humidity, cold air, extreme temperatures, and even thunderstorms can aggravate symptoms by irritating the airways. Asthma flare-ups can result from high temperatures, humidity, and heat, particularly during the winter or monsoon seasons. The risk of asthma can also be increased by climate change.
Yes, by obstructing dust, mold, pollen, and pet dander, masks can lower exposure to asthma allergens. These allergens are successfully filtered out by masks, particularly N95 respirators, which may alleviate the symptoms of allergies and asthma. They are useful in lowering exposure to airborne irritants, even if they cannot completely prevent all triggers