What Is the Difference Between Asthma & Allergies?

The difference between allergies and asthma range from causes to symptoms. Allergies and asthma can be related conditions, coexisting in certain individuals, while presenting separately in others.

Allergy Identification

• Allergies are a disease of the immune system in which the body reacts to non-harmful substances as threats, causing symptoms of congestion, sneezing, eye irritation, hives, coughing and allergic asthma.

Asthma Identification

• Asthma is a chronic lung disease of the lower respiratory system identified by airway constriction. Asthma symptoms include chronic wheezing, coughing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing.

Allergen Exposure

• Allergic reactions are caused by chemical histamine responses to specific substances such as dust mites, mold, pollen, food, insect bites or chemicals, which lead to inflammation.

Asthma Triggers

• Asthma is triggered by decreased respiratory function resulting from allergic asthma when exposed to an allergen. Non-allergic asthma is induced by weather changes, environmental irritants, exercise or emotional stress.

Allergy/Asthma Function

• Allergies affect the eyes, ears, nose, throat and skin due to swelling that causes excess mucus production leading to reactions. Asthma results in breathing difficulty due to tightened airways and air-filled bronchial sacs.