Your Allergy and Asthma Brochure

Up to 80% of asthmatic patients
Asthma Triggers
Indoor Allergy = Constant Allergy
also have allergic rhinitis.
1
Dust Mites
Pollens
Molds
Air Pollution
Pets
Tobacco Smoke
Connecting Allergy & Asthma
Figure 1. Allergy symptoms are major risk
factors for the development of asthma.
Asthma is currently diagnosed in about 8%
of the population and consistently higher in
children.2
Recognition of asthma symptoms or the
warning signs of later asthma symptoms is
often hard to do and frequently missed.2
Medical costs for asthma are
approximately $30 billion per year in the US2
The presence of allergens in your environment can
cause an asthma attack. Research has shown that
allergy and asthma are closely related diseases.1, 2, 3 This is
because all parts of the airway are connected. What
causes problems in one part of the airway, such as the
nose, can have a direct impact on other parts, such as
the lungs.
Continuous exposure to common indoor allergens,
such as dust mite, can lead to constant inflammation,
or swelling, in the airway.4 This constant swelling in
the airway can make your asthma symptoms worse.
While seasonal allergens, such as pollen, can also
trigger asthma symptoms, these have less of an
overall impact since their exposure usually lasts for
shorter periods of time.
Am I Really Fine?
With constant exposure to indoor allergens, airway
inflammation may be present without any perceived
symptoms. Research shows that physical allergy
signs, such as inflammation of the nose, were found in
many asthma patients who reported having no allergy
symptoms.5
This is a problem because both allergy and asthma
require long term treatment. When patients think
they are getting better they often stop taking their
medications. But this can often lead to the worsening
of symptoms over time.
When diagnosing allergy, it is important that your
doctor evaluate your lung function for signs of
developing asthma.2 Likewise, when diagnosing
asthma, it is important that your doctor move beyond
the lungs and evaluate your allergy symptoms. The
best treatment addresses both conditions to improve
the overall health of your airway.
It has been found that patients with poorly controlled
allergy symptoms have more severe asthma attacks
that get worse over time.1 In general, the more
persistent and intense your allergy symptoms, the
more likely asthma will develop, or get worse. This is
especially true of children.
Research has shown that
If you’re an asthma patient that requires daily
medication, you should consider being evaluated for
allergy.6 By diagnosing and treating your allergies
early, you can remove a common trigger of asthma
symptoms.
allergy and asthma are
closely related diseases.
Combining Allergy & Asthma
Treatment
Corticosteroid inhalers are the most common
treatment for asthma. They reduce airway swelling
and result in better control of symptoms. Despite their
effectiveness, however, they must be used regularly
and do not provide a cure for asthma.
The regular, long term use of asthma medication can
be expensive.
Average medical costs for an asthma patient
are $1300 per year.2
These costs get even higher in asthma patients who
have significant allergy symptoms.
By treating allergy, your asthma symptoms may
become less severe and the overall cost of treatment
may decline.7 This is why it is important to consider
combining standard asthma treatment with an allergy
treatment.
While using allergy medications can be helpful, these
only cover up symptoms.3 Treating the underlying
cause of your allergy with allergy immunotherapy
(allergy shots) may provide more long lasting relief.
Please refer to reverse side of this
brochure for the risks and warnings
associated with Allergy Immunotherapy.
Allergy Immunotherapy for
Asthma Patients
Allergy immunotherapy works by reducing your body’s
allergic response to specific allergy triggers and is a
clinically proven treatment that can significantly reduce
allergic symptoms.
In clinical studies, asthma patients who received
allergy immunotherapy in addition to standard asthma
treatment reported fewer asthma symptoms, required
less asthma medication, and demonstrated improved
lung function compared to those receiving standard
asthma treatment alone.8, 9
Can Allergy Immunotherapy
Prevent Developing Asthma?
Yes. Research shows that in some vulnerable
allergic patients, allergy immunotherapy can alter the
progression of disease and prevent the development
of asthma.10
Indications for Treatment with
Allergy Immunotherapy
Indications for allergy immunotherapy treatment in
allergic asthma include the presence of a clinically
diagnosed allergic condition; side effects or suboptimal
control with medications; patient’s desire to avoid
long term medication use; and/or ineffectiveness of
environmental control measures.
Asthma patients on daily medication
should consider being evaluated for allergy.
This information is sponsored through an
educational grant by:
1700 Royston Ln • Round Rock, TX 78664
800-325-7354
www.alk-abello.us
S511v2
Resources:
1. Vinuya, R. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 2002;88(Suppl):8-15
2. Krouse, J, et al. OTO – Head & Neck Surgery 2007;136:S75-S106
3. Serrano, C, et al. Arch Bronconeumol 2005;41(10):569-578
4. Gaffin, J, & Phipatanakul, W. Curr Opin Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;9(2):128-135
5. Ricca, V, et al. J Allergy Clin Immunol 1999;104:54-57
6. Platts-Mills, T, et al. Am Fam Physician 2007;76:675-680
7. Passalacqua, G, & Durham, S. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2007;119:881-891
8. Abramson, M, et al. Allergy 1999;54:1022-1041
9. Ross, R, et al. Clin Ther 2000;22:329-341
10. Jacobsen, L, et al. Allergy 2007;62:943-948
Cautions
Uncontrolled asthma is a risk factor for adverse
reactions to allergy shots.
Asthma should be
controlled at the time of injection. Patients with severe
or uncontrolled asthma may not be appropriate
candidates for allergy immunotherapy.
Ask your doctor if you are a candidate for this
treatment. Long lasting, severe asthma can lead to
physical changes in the lungs that may reduce the
benefits of allergy immunotherapy and increase the
risks.9 This demonstrates the importance of early
detection and early intervention.
Allergy immunotherapy is a long term investment in
your health that requires dedication and consistency to
achieve the full benefits. While symptom relief can be
achieved in the first few months of treatment, studies
have shown that it takes a commitment of 3-5 years to
achieve the full, long lasting effects.
Risks and Warnings for Immunotherapy
Allergy Immunotherapy (allergy shots) is a treatment for patients
exhibiting allergic reactions to seasonal pollens, dust mites,
animal danders and various other inhalants in situations where
the offending allergen cannot be avoided.
Prior to initiation of therapy, the clinical sensitivity should be
established by careful evaluation of the patient’s history confirmed
by diagnostic skin testing. Allergy shots should not be prescribed
for sensitivities to allergens that can easily be avoided.
Although allergy shots have been proven to be highly effective
in treating the underlying cause of allergies, patients on allergy
shots may experience side effects.
Numerous controlled studies have demonstrated the clinical
efficacy of immunotherapy with cat, dust mites, and some pollen
extracts. Nevertheless, responses are variable, and in a few
studies patients reported no appreciable benefits.
As with all allergenic extracts, severe systemic reactions
may occur. In certain individuals, these life-threatening
reactions may be fatal.
Your Allergy Specialist can provide you with all allergy
treatment options and full prescribing information.
Your Allergies
and Asthma