Call / Whatsapp
+918447748545

Published on: Jun 20, 2025
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

Is It Allergy Or Asthma? How To Know The Difference

Book your checkup

Have you ever found yourself sneezing, coughing, or gasping for air and wondering whether it's just a seasonal allergy or something more serious like asthma? You're not alone. Many people confuse the symptoms of allergies and asthma because they often overlap. However, knowing the difference between the two is crucial for getting the right treatment and managing your condition effectively.

In this blog, we’ll explain what allergies and asthma are, how they’re related, what makes them different, and how to know what you’re dealing with.

What Are Allergies?

Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a harmless substance like pollen, dust, or pet dander as if it were dangerous. These substances are called allergens. When you're exposed to an allergen, your body releases chemicals like histamine that cause allergy symptoms.

Common Allergy Symptoms:

Sneezing
Runny or stuffy nose
Itchy eyes, nose, or throat
Watery eyes
Skin rashes or hives
Coughing (especially at night)
Fatigue

These symptoms usually appear quickly after exposure to the allergen and can range from mild to severe.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung disease that inflames and narrows your airways, making it hard to breathe. Asthma can be triggered by many things—including allergens. When asthma flares up, it’s called an asthma attack or asthma episode.

Common Asthma Symptoms:

Shortness of breath
Chest tightness or pain
Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
Coughing (often worse at night or early morning)
Trouble sleeping due to breathing issues

Asthma symptoms can come and go. They may be triggered by allergens, cold air, exercise, smoke, or even stress.

Are Allergies and Asthma Related?

Yes, they are! Many people who have allergies also have asthma. This condition is called allergic asthma. In fact, allergens like pollen, mold, pet dander, and dust mites are common asthma triggers.

When you breathe in something you're allergic to, your airways can become inflamed, making it difficult to breathe—this is where allergies and asthma overlap.

Key Differences Between Allergy and Asthma

Feature	Allergy	Asthma
Affects	Eyes, nose, throat, skin	Lungs and airways
Symptoms	Sneezing, itching, watery eyes, rashes	Wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness
Trigger	Pollen, dust, food, pets, etc.	Allergens, exercise, cold air, pollution
Time of Symptoms	Immediate (within minutes)	May develop slowly or suddenly
Treatment Focus	Antihistamines, avoiding allergens	Inhalers, bronchodilators, steroids

While allergies mostly affect the upper airways (like your nose and throat), asthma affects the lower airways (your lungs).

How to Know What You Have

1. Track Your Symptoms

Keep a journal of what symptoms you experience, when they occur, and what you were doing at the time. Are you only sneezing and sniffling when the pollen count is high? Do you wheeze and cough after jogging or being around pets?

2. Get Allergy Testing

Your doctor may recommend a blood test or skin prick test to find out what you’re allergic to. This is especially helpful if your symptoms are triggered by specific things like pollen or food.

3. Do a Lung Function Test (Spirometry)

This simple breathing test helps measure how well your lungs work. If you have asthma, the test may show that your airways are narrowed or inflamed. The results also help doctors decide how severe your asthma is.

4. Observe When Symptoms Occur

If your symptoms occur mostly in certain seasons (like spring or fall), they may be due to allergies. If they happen during exercise or at night, it could be asthma.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely. Many people live with both allergies and asthma. In these cases, managing one helps manage the other. For example, taking allergy medication can help reduce asthma symptoms triggered by allergens.

That’s why it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Treating only one condition when you have both may not bring full relief.

Treatment Options

For Allergies:

Antihistamines – reduce sneezing and itching
Nasal sprays – ease a runny or blocked nose
Eye drops – soothe itchy, watery eyes
Allergy shots (immunotherapy) – gradually reduce your sensitivity to allergens

For Asthma:

Inhalers – deliver medicine directly to the lungs
Long-term medications – reduce airway inflammation
Rescue inhalers – for quick relief during an attack
Lifestyle changes – avoid triggers, keep your environment clean

Always consult a doctor before starting any treatment.

When to See a Doctor

You should see a healthcare provider if:

You have trouble breathing or frequent coughing
Symptoms interfere with daily life or sleep
Over-the-counter allergy medicine isn’t helping
You need to use your asthma inhaler more often than usual

Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and improve your quality of life.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the difference between allergies and asthma is the first step in managing your health. Both are common, manageable conditions—but only if you know what you're dealing with. By observing your symptoms and getting tested, you can find the right path to relief.

Conclusion: Is it Allergy or Asthma? How to Know the Difference

If you're asking yourself, "Is it allergy or asthma? How to know the difference," the answer lies in understanding your symptoms, knowing your triggers, and getting the right tests done. Don’t guess—get tested through trusted services like SecondMedic and take control of your breathing and well-being today!

Book your checkup

Read FAQs

A. Allergies affect the upper airways, causing symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, while asthma affects the lungs, leading to wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

A. Yes, this condition is known as allergic asthma. It happens when allergens like pollen or dust trigger asthma symptoms like wheezing and breathlessness.

A. Allergy tests like specific IgE panels or skin prick tests help diagnose allergies. Spirometry or lung function tests are used to diagnose asthma.

A. Absolutely. Many people suffer from both conditions, especially if their asthma is triggered by allergens. Managing one often helps manage the other.

A. If you have sneezing and runny nose, an allergy test may help. If you experience shortness of breath or wheezing, a spirometry test for asthma is recommended.

Read Blog

Best Treatment Options for IBS in India

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive condition that affects millions of people across India. If you often suffer from stomach pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, you may be dealing with IBS. While it can be frustrating and affect your daily life, the good news is that IBS can be managed effectively with the right approach.

In this blog, we will cover the best treatment options for IBS in India, from diet changes to ayurvedic solutions and advanced diagnostic tests.

What is IBS?

IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome) is a chronic digestive disorder that affects how your gut functions. Unlike other diseases, IBS doesn’t damage the digestive tract, but it causes uncomfortable symptoms that come and go.

Causes of IBS

The exact cause of IBS is not fully understood, but common factors include:

Gut-brain axis dysfunction
Stress and anxiety
Hormonal changes
Food intolerances (e.g., lactose, gluten)
Gut infections
Poor dietary habits

Common Symptoms of IBS

Abdominal pain or cramps
Gas and bloating
Diarrhea, constipation, or both
Changes in bowel movements
Mucus in the stool
Fatigue or sleep problems

Symptoms vary for each person and often get worse after eating or during times of stress.

Best Treatment Options for IBS in India

IBS treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, as there is no one-size-fits-all cure. Here are the top treatment approaches used across India:

1. Dietary Changes

One of the most effective ways to manage IBS is through food:

Follow the Low FODMAP Diet

FODMAPs are carbohydrates that are hard to digest and cause gas. The Low FODMAP diet helps reduce symptoms by eliminating:

Onions, garlic
Beans, lentils
Dairy
Wheat
Processed foods

Slowly reintroduce foods with the help of a nutritionist.

Eat Small, Frequent Meals

Instead of large meals, eat smaller portions 4–5 times a day.

Stay Hydrated

Drink 8–10 glasses of water daily to ease digestion and prevent constipation.

2. Probiotics and Supplements

Probiotics are good bacteria that help restore balance in your gut.

Brands like Darolac, Sporlac, VSL#3 are commonly used in India.
Fiber supplements (like Isabgol) help relieve constipation.
Peppermint oil capsules may soothe gut muscles.

Always consult your doctor before starting supplements.

3. Prescription Medications

Depending on the symptoms, doctors in India may prescribe:

Antispasmodics (e.g., Drotaverine, Mebeverine) – for cramps
Laxatives (e.g., Lactulose) – for constipation
Anti-diarrheal drugs (e.g., Loperamide) – for diarrhea
Tricyclic antidepressants – to reduce gut sensitivity

Medication should be used only under medical supervision.

4. Ayurvedic Treatment for IBS

India offers powerful traditional options through Ayurveda. Herbs used include:

Kutaj – for diarrhea
Bilva – for digestion
Triphala – for bowel regularity
Jeeraka and Musta – reduce bloating

Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing the vata, pitta, and kapha doshas. Always choose certified practitioners.

5. Stress Management Techniques

Since stress and anxiety worsen IBS, it’s important to care for your mental health:

Yoga – especially poses like Pawanmuktasana and Vajrasana
Meditation and Pranayama
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Counseling for teenagers or working professionals under pressure

Mind-body techniques are especially useful in Indian urban settings.

Recommended Lab Tests (Available on SecondMedic with Thyrocare)

To rule out other conditions and get clarity on your gut health, the following tests are helpful:

Thyroid Profile (T3, T4, TSH) – to rule out hypothyroidism
Vitamin D & B12 Tests – deficiencies can mimic IBS
Liver and Kidney Function Tests – rule out other digestive diseases
Stool Occult Blood Test / Calprotectin – if symptoms persist
Aarogyam C Panel by Thyrocare – a full metabolic and vitamin panel

These tests are available at affordable rates with home sample collection via SecondMedic.

When to See a Doctor

Consult a gastroenterologist if:

Your symptoms last more than 4 weeks
You see blood in stool
You have rapid weight loss
You're losing sleep due to stomach pain

Early diagnosis prevents long-term damage and reduces emotional distress.

IBS Products Commonly Found in India

Isabgol (Psyllium husk) – for fiber
Probiotic sachets – Darolac, Vizylac
Ayurvedic syrups – Baidyanath Abhayarishta, Himalaya Triphala
Peppermint capsules – natural antispasmodic
Stress-relief teas – chamomile, tulsi

Conclusion

IBS can feel overwhelming, but with the right approach, it is very manageable. From diet changes and probiotics to Ayurveda and stress relief, you have many tools to regain control.

India offers a unique blend of modern and traditional therapies. Whether you're in a metro city or a small town, access to affordable tests and holistic treatments is improving every day.

If you’re struggling with IBS symptoms, talk to a doctor, get tested, and explore a personalized treatment plan. You don’t have to live in discomfort.

Explore the best treatment options for IBS in India and take the first step toward a healthier gut today.

Request A Callback

+91

By using this website/app, I confirm that I am at least 18 years old and consent to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Declaration.