Is It Allergies or Asthma? Understanding the Difference—and Why It Matters

Coughing. Wheezing. Shortness of breath. These symptoms are frustrating on their own—but even more so when you don’t know what’s causing them. For many patients, the line between allergies and asthma is blurry. Both can flare with the seasons, interrupt sleep, and make it harder to enjoy daily life. The key is to quickly and accurately diagnose the underlying causes of your symptoms to develop a strategic care plan that delivers real, lasting results.

At Lyracore Pulmonary Health, we know how important it is to pinpoint the true cause of your symptoms. The right diagnosis can mean the difference between short-term relief and long-term control over your condition.

If you’ve been dealing with chronic coughing, tightness in your chest, or trouble breathing, this guide is for you.

Understanding the Basics

 

What Are Allergies?

Allergies are your body’s way of reacting to something it mistakenly sees as dangerous, like pollen, dust mites, pet dander, or mold. Your immune system goes into defense mode, releasing chemicals like histamines that trigger symptoms.

Common allergy symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Runny or congested nose
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Scratchy throat
• Skin rashes or hives

 
These symptoms are usually more upper-respiratory and sinus-related, though in some people, allergies can also lead to breathing difficulties, especially when the airways become inflamed.

What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that causes the airways to become inflamed and narrow, making it harder to move air in and out of the lungs. For many people, asthma symptoms flare up in response to triggers—some of which are the same allergens listed above.

Common asthma symptoms include:

• Coughing (especially at night or after exercise)
• Wheezing (a whistling sound when breathing)
• Chest tightness
• Shortness of breath

 

Allergy vs. Asthma Symptoms: How Can You Tell?

 
Here’s a quick reference guide to help differentiate between the two:

When They Overlap: What Is Allergic Asthma?

 
For some patients, allergies and asthma are not separate conditions, but two parts of the same issue.

Allergic asthma is a type of asthma that is triggered by allergens such as:

• Pollen
• Dust mites
• Mold
• Pet dander

 
In allergic asthma, exposure to an allergen causes both an immune response (typical allergy symptoms) and asthma symptoms due to inflammation in the airways. While non-allergic asthma may be triggered by exercise, stress, cold air, or infections, allergic asthma is closely tied to environmental exposures.

How to Identify Your Triggers

 
Pinpointing what’s causing your symptoms is the first step toward effective treatment. You can start by:

• Keeping a symptom journal. Track when symptoms appear, how severe they are, and what you were exposed to that day.
• Noting the timing. Are symptoms worse during spring or fall? Indoors vs. outdoors? Do they worsen around pets or during cleaning?
• Asking yourself key questions:
  • Do antihistamines help?
  • Does physical activity make breathing harder?
  • Do symptoms go away in certain environments?

   

This information helps your provider determine whether allergies, asthma, or both may be at play.

Diagnostic Tools & Testing

 
A physical exam alone often isn’t enough to determine the cause of respiratory symptoms. That’s why our team uses a variety of tests to get a clearer picture:

Allergy Testing

• Skin prick tests and blood tests help identify environmental and food allergens.
• Results can inform avoidance strategies and treatment like immunotherapy (allergy shots).

 

Pulmonary Function Testing (PFT)

• Measures lung capacity and airflow to assess how well your lungs are working.
• Can help diagnose asthma and differentiate it from other conditions like COPD.

 

Peak Flow Monitoring

• Portable device you can use at home to track how fast you can blow air out of your lungs.
• Helps monitor asthma severity over time.

 

Bronchial Challenge Testing

• Measures airway response to controlled exposure to irritants or exercise.
• Confirms an asthma diagnosis when symptoms are mild or intermittent.

 

Treatment Approaches

 

Allergy Treatments

If your symptoms are driven by allergies, common treatments include:

• Antihistamines to block allergic responses
• Nasal corticosteroids or decongestant sprays for sinus relief
• Allergen avoidance: air filters, dust-proof bedding, limiting outdoor exposure during high-pollen days
• Immunotherapy (allergy shots) to reduce sensitivity over time

 

Asthma Treatments

Asthma management focuses on reducing inflammation and preventing flare-ups:

• Inhalers:
  • Rescue inhalers (like albuterol) provide quick relief during attacks.
  • Maintenance inhalers (such as corticosteroids) reduce chronic inflammation.

   

• Oral medications for long-term control in some cases
• Asthma action plan: A personalized step-by-step plan for recognizing and managing symptoms before they become severe

 

When to See a Specialist

 
Many people live with undiagnosed or under-treated symptoms for years. Here are some signs it’s time to consult a pulmonologist or allergist:

• You’ve been using your inhaler more often than prescribed
• Symptoms are interfering with daily activities or sleep
• Over-the-counter allergy medications no longer help
• You’ve had multiple respiratory infections or ER visits
• You’re not sure what’s causing your symptoms—or how to treat them

 
At Lyracore, we’re proud to offer prompt access to experienced specialists and comprehensive in-office testing, including allergy evaluations and pulmonary function testing. With a personalized approach to care and a deep understanding of complex respiratory conditions, we’re here to help you breathe easier, on your terms.

Take the First Step Toward Relief

 
Whether you’re battling seasonal allergies, a chronic cough, or unexplained breathing issues, don’t wait to get answers. The sooner you know what’s driving your symptoms, the sooner you can take control.

Our team at Lyracore Pulmonary Health offers fast appointments, extended clinic hours, and a full range of diagnostic tools—all in a welcoming, patient-first environment. Contact our office today to schedule your comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward clearer breathing and a better quality of life.