Get evaluated for allergic asthma if you have cough or wheeze

What to Do

Request a spirometry test (simple breathing test) from your doctor if you experience coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, or shortness of breath during allergy season.

Why It Works

Up to 40% of allergic rhinitis patients have concurrent allergic asthma, and many are undiagnosed. The "one airway, one disease" concept recognizes that nasal allergies and asthma are manifestations of the same systemic inflammation. Untreated asthma is dangerous. Treating nasal allergies effectively also improves asthma control.

Tips

• Nighttime cough and exercise-induced cough are common early asthma signs
• Spirometry is quick, painless, and available at most primary care offices
• A combined allergy-asthma management plan from your allergist is optimal
• Do not ignore respiratory symptoms — uncontrolled asthma leads to airway remodeling over time