Allergic asthma is an allergic inflammation in the lower airway of the respiratory system. It involves the simultaneous presence of both asthma and respiratory allergies, particularly hay fever (allergic rhinitis). According to the U.S. National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, 10 million people in the United States suffer from allergic asthma.

An allergy occurs when the immune system identifies a harmless substance as being dangerous and releases antibodies to fight the substance. Any substance may cause an allergic reaction and any substance that causes this reaction is called an allergen.

Allergic asthma – also known as allergic bronchitis – is different from non-allergic bronchitis, which is often linked to a severe cold or flu. Non-allergic bronchial conditions are caused by a bacterial, viral or fungal infection. Conditions normally resolve after treatment with medication, or on their own after several days. 

Allergic asthma is a serious condition that requires examination by a physician. The physician will perform tests to identify what specific substance is triggering the allergy, and then develop methods to avoid the allergen. Medications may be necessary to reduce inflammation, open the airways and provide relief of symptoms.