Allergic asthma is an overreaction of the immune system to a
substance (allergen) that results in symptoms of an asthma attack: difficulty
breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, and coughing. Allergens that can cause
allergic asthma attacks include pollen, mold, animal dander, dust mites,
cockroaches, and certain chemicals.
An attack may occur from a few minutes to an hour after exposure to
an allergen or as long as 4 to 12 hours later. Controlling a person's exposure
to substances that trigger allergic asthma attacks may prevent the attacks or
help make them less severe. In addition, there are medications to help reduce
the reaction to the allergen.
