The Link Between Eczema And Asthma

Eczema is often seen as an itchy, annoying side effect of having dry skin. Yet many people with eczema also have asthma. Researchers now say this is no coincidence; the two conditions may be related. About one person in five who has asthma also has symptoms of eczema. Some scientists think that many cases of atopic dermatitis are mild forms of asthma that affect the skin. The skin condition may also be a warning sign of asthma, they say. Eczema is a common problem in children and young adults. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, about 17 percent of children under the age of 18 have atopic dermatitis – or eczema.

How are eczema and asthma linked?

Both eczema and asthma are linked to inflammation often caused by a solid reaction to environmental allergens. In people with asthma, the allergens usually make their way into the lungs and cause inflammation there. But in those who also have eczema, the allergens can affect the skin. And they may even spread to other areas of your body as well.

Both conditions are now thought to originate from a single source – a problem with how your immune system reacts to specific environmental triggers.

If a person has a condition that causes frequent itchiness – such as atopic dermatitis – they may be more likely to have asthma flare-ups if exposed to allergens.

Why eczema and asthma are linked?

There is a genetic component to both conditions, which means it may be possible for one to trigger the other. Some people who have eczema also have asthma – and they likely show signs of their respiratory condition before the onset of skin symptoms. However, some scientists think that having eczema may be an early warning sign of developing asthma. This theory is supported by studies that discovered that children who had atopic dermatitis were more likely than others to develop asthma later – even if they didn’t initially have breathing problems. While researchers aren’t quite sure what causes this connection between eczema and asthma, there are several theories: According to one recent study, those with eczema are more likely to have allergies to specific allergens like dust mites, cockroaches, and certain plant proteins. It makes them more likely than others to develop asthma after exposure to these substances.

It appears that people with eczema may be more sensitive than others when it comes to environmental stimuli. Their skin barrier is often disrupted, allowing external chemicals or particles in the environment easier access into the body. Once inside, these cells can prompt an immune response – leading to inflammation of the respiratory system and causing breathing problems for some patients with eczema who also have asthma.

How do eczema and asthma flare-up?

People with both conditions are more likely to have asthma flare-ups. As the number of flare-ups increases, so does the severity of asthma symptoms. Eczema can also cause breathing problems that never become severe enough to be labeled asthma.

1. Cold air, dry air, and respiratory infections – such as colds – can worsen asthma for those with both conditions.
2. Irritants in the air: The chemicals and particles that people with eczema tend to be exposed to more often than other people can irritate the throat and lungs, triggering inflammation and sometimes even an asthma attack.
3. Allergens: Even if you don’t have allergies to specific environmental allergens like dust mites or pollen, exposure to these substances may still cause your immune system to overreact. It could result in breathing problems similar to those seen in allergy sufferers.
4. Smoke: Whether from cigarettes or wildfires during smoggy days, smoke can trigger breathing problems regardless of whether or not you have asthma.
5. Changes to temperature and humidity: Freezing weather may be especially hard for those with winter itch. The warm air trapped inside an unventilated area – such as a stuffy bedroom – can also cause problems.
6. Exercise: A healthy workout with good airflow is fine for most people with eczema or asthma, but you need to be careful about the intensity of your activity.
7. Medications: Eczema medications may trigger breathing problems, so you must talk to your doctor before taking any new medicine for this condition.

How to manage eczema and asthma?

For those who have both conditions, managing flare-ups can be a challenge.

 

1. Antihistamines

These medications block histamine, one of the chemicals your body releases when something triggers a response from your immune system. Claritin, Zyrtec, and Allegra are just a few examples of over-the-counter antihistamines that can help control both conditions. Claritin also comes in a nasal spray if you have runny or stuffy noses – especially at night – as well as an oral allergy tablet for those who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis (pink eye).

2. Anti-inflammatory drugs

If you have eczema outbreaks along with asthma flare-ups, taking corticosteroids can help manage both conditions. Corticosteroids decrease inflammation and prevent it from happening again once the flare-up subsides.

3. Keep your eyes clean

People with asthma are more likely to have chronic dry eye, which can cause itching and irritation of the eyelids. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor for some relief.

4. Watch out for infections

Those who have both conditions are more likely to develop bacterial or viral infections than those who don’t. Before starting any new treatment for eczema, be sure to consult with your doctor so that they can treat your asthma first while you switch medications. Ensure you keep up on all of your recommended daily maintenance routines – such as cleaning and moisturizing practices – to avoid flare-ups caused by skin damage from improper care. Also, keep in mind that people out there have asthma who don’t have eczema and vice versa.

5. Topical corticosteroids

These medications are available only by prescription, and they contain ingredients that reduce itching, redness, swelling, and irritation. They can be applied directly to the skin or taken orally as tablets or liquids.

6. Immunosuppressants

If your condition is severe enough to need systemic therapy, your doctor may prescribe these drugs to prevent your immune system from attacking your tissue any longer.

7. Steroids via inhalation

These are also corticosteroids, but instead of applying them topically, you breathe them in through a nebulizer machine or powder-dispensing device. This form of treatment can help prevent asthma flare-ups for those who don’t respond well to medications taken by mouth.

8. Biologics

This type of drug is only available through a doctor’s prescription, and it can be injected or given intravenously in the hospital setting. It suppresses your immune system, preventing it from acting on an allergic response to something that triggers your eczema symptoms.

9. Antibiotics

These are typically prescribed for bacterial infections that result from inflamed skin due to dryness or damage caused by itch-scratching episodes. If proper hydration isn’t achieved quickly enough, treatment with antibiotics may also prevent the illness from progressing into pneumonia.

10. Watch what you eat

If you have both asthma and eczema, your diet can affect your health. For example, when you have an allergy to milk products, the mucus glands in your body produce more fluid than usual. It can lead to dry eyes or nose and itchy skin – all of which may trigger flare-ups for those with asthma.

11. Allergen-proofing of your home

Dust mites, mold, pollen, and pet dander are just a few of the most common allergens that can trigger asthma symptoms. Although you can’t eliminate them from your environment completely, you can severely reduce their presence in your home using mattress covers, pillow protectors, and unique duct-filter systems for your heating/cooling system to keep particles away from you while you sleep.

12. Learn about triggers

Knowing what makes your symptoms worse or better on any given day may help control flare-ups when you avoid exposure to these things at all costs. Knowing how to spot an impending attack may also save lives by encouraging early treatment before it progresses into something more serious like pneumonia.

13. Get allergy shots

If you find yourself needing an inhaler more than once daily, it’s time to get tested for allergies. Once your doctor identifies the problem, they can then prescribe shots that will help desensitize your body to allergens, so they won’t trigger asthma flares moving forward.

What precautions to take when you have eczema and asthma?

The immune system is powerful and complicated – so it’s not always possible to prevent flare-ups from happening. But there are things you can do daily that might help: Try:

• Moisturizing your skin after showering or bathing to lock in needed moisture.
• Avoiding very hot baths and showers.
• Using cool water instead of hot water when washing your hands.
• Wearing gloves while doing housework or gardening to protect your skin from becoming dry and irritated.
• Avoiding taking very long, hot showers/baths.
• Using a humidifier in your home during the winter months to add moisture back into the air you breathe.
• Eating healthy, well-balanced meals to promote good health in general.
• Limiting your use of topical steroid medications for your skin to keep your body from becoming dependent on them.
• Using alcohol-free cleansers that are gentle on the skin.
• Applying sunscreen every day if you’re outdoors for an extended period. Sunburns prevent proper healing and increase the risk of skin cancer.

However, if you notice that these remedies aren’t doing enough for you anymore – time to pay the doctor another visit! The advice above should provide some relief for mild cases, but it might be necessary to get medication prescribed by a doctor.

What are the natural treatments to treat asthma and eczema?

• Use moisturizers like aloe vera, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and shea butter to keep skin moisturized.
• Avoid direct contact with harsh chemicals or household cleaning products which can further irritate your skin.
• Use natural laundry detergents without perfumes or dyes to decrease irritation of the skin.
• Wash your frequent hands with lukewarm water and mild soap. Thoroughly dry hands and do not use hot water to wash them as this strips away necessary oils from hands.
• Avoid using medications that contain steroids or other harsh chemicals which will cause over-drying effects on your skin after prolonged periods.
• If symptoms are severe, ask a doctor about changing medication or other treatment steps to reduce symptoms associated with eczema and asthma.

How do I get rid of eczema and asthma?

Homeopathic treatment for eczema and asthma is one of the best homeopathic medicines for eczema and asthma. Homeopathy works wonders for this condition where conservative treatments have failed to show results.

Homeopathic treatment for asthma and eczema works well in people who are suffering from these problems. It

Homeopathic treatment for asthma and eczema improves immunity and also strengthens the lungs.

Benefits of using homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma?

1. Homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma does not have any side effects.
2. Homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma is highly effective in managing the problem.
3. Homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma is considered one of the best treatments for eczema and asthma.
4. Homeopathic treatment helps prevent allergies, which are the major problems behind asthma and eczema.
5. Homeopathic treatment improves immunity, energy levels, respiratory system, heart-related issues, etc.
6. Homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma uses ingredients used in this medicine that is entirely natural and herbal that do not lead to any harmful effect on your body or skin. Thus, you can use it freely without having to face any ill effects on your health (unless otherwise suggested by a doctor).

• Homeopathic treatment for eczema and asthma provides an effective solution for the natural ingredients used in preparing homeopathic treatment for eczema and asthma. Thus, you can use this medicine freely to treat eczema and asthma without any harmful effects on your health or skin.
• Homeopathy treatment of asthma and eczema is one of the best medicines that relieve these problems entirely. So make sure you consult a qualified homeopathy doctor for getting homeopathic treatment for eczema and asthma.

Consulting a skilled natural medicine practitioner is always better as they will guide you on what to eat or drink to treat this problem. You can book an appointment through OHO Homeopathy and talk to experts for detailed information about homeopathic treatment of eczema and asthma.