Having asthma or allergies can be a frustrating experience. Unfortunately, there is no cure for asthma or allergies. The only thing you can do is mTo figure out if your asthma is being triggered by allergies, you will need to know what the symptoms of allergies are. Symptoms of asthma and allergies are very similar. Both asthma and allergies can cause symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing.

For some people, their allergies do not affect their asthma while other patients may suffer from both. Tracking your asthma and allergy triggers will allow you to find a treatment plan that works for you so you can avoid missing school, work, or important events. Here is a list of asthma and allergy triggers that you may have overlooked:

1. Environment
For a large percentage of people with asthma (approximately 60% of asthma suffers) their allergies and asthma are correlated. Some common allergies include pollen, dust, and pets. Allergy symptoms include watery itchy eyes, sneezing, scratchy throat, runny nose and rashes.

2. Food
Food allergies can also trigger an asthma attack. Food allergies and asthma symptoms can be similar. In severe cases of food allergies, a person can experience airway constriction, resulting in dizziness or even a loss of consciousness. Food allergy symptoms that asthma sufferers should look out for include tingling or itching in the mouth, hives, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, diarrhea or abdominal pain. Common food allergen sources include gluten/wheat, dairy, soy, nuts, and shellfish.

3. Weather
Extreme weather can also trigger an asthma attack. Extremely low temperatures, high humidity, high heat, thunderstorms and sudden weather changes are all things that could potentially trigger an asthma attack. Weather can trigger an asthma attack for a variety of reasons. The weather can increase pollen count, cold air can cause airway narrowing, and air pollutants increase when the weather is hot and humid. To avoid extreme weather triggering an asthma attack, asthma sufferers should make sure to check the weather, limit time outdoors and close windows during times of extreme weather. Allergies can also be triggered by extreme weather because of the increase in pollutants, pollen and mold. Cold weather can increase allergies because of the increased time spent indoors.

4. Occupational asthma/allergies
Occupational asthma occurs when gases, dust or other substances are inhaled while working, resulting in an asthma attack. Occupational asthma that is not identified can result in permanent lung damage. Occupational asthma symptoms include nasal congestion, watery eyes, and runny nose. Occupational asthma symptoms can manifest in different ways. Sometimes the symptoms worsen towards the end of the workweek. During the weekends you may feel perfectly fine, but symptoms reappear once you go back to work. Continued exposure to the substance will increase your chances of having permanent asthma or long-lasting symptoms. Occupational allergies are not always serious, but they should be identified to decrease the chances of anything serious happening later in time. Occupational allergies can be caused by things like latex gloves, interactions with certain substances and recirculated air in the building. Symptoms such as sneezing, rashes or breathing issues should subside after a few days away from work.