Eczema and asthma are both linked to inflammation in the body, which is why sometimes if you have one of these conditions you might be likely to have or develop the other. There is a strong link between having eczema as a child and getting asthma later in life. Almost half of people who have moderate or severe eczema also have asthma, allergic rhinitis, or food allergies. While there is not a scientific explanation found for this, early exposure to allergens and well as genes could play a major role.
Inflammation in the body is usually related to reactions to environmental allergens. Asthma is a condition in which your airways narrow and swell and may produce extra mucus. This can make breathing difficult and trigger coughing, a whistling sound (wheezing) when you breathe out and shortness of breath.
Eczema is an inflammatory skin condition where the immune system tends to overreact to environmental triggers, which often runs in families. There is a gene mutation that can be inherited from parents that gives children a “leaky” skin barrier that reduces the skin’s ability to block allergens and allows moisture to escape.
Similarly, the wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness associated with asthma is also caused by the body’s immune system responding to environmental irritants. This causes inflammation which leads to the swelling and narrowing of air passages, resulting in trouble breathing. There are also more triggers than allergies that cause eczema and asthma flare ups. Cold and dry air, stress, infection, and exposure to environmental pollutants are all common triggers as well.
If you suffer from both asthma and/or eczema, you might want to consult your doctor to talk more about possible allergies that could be causing flare ups. They can recommend different remedies such as immunotherapy, medication, or suggest changes in your lifestyle.
