You've heard of allergies - and you've heard of asthma. But what about allergic asthma? Turns out allergic asthma is actually a combination of the two conditions. And it's the most common form of asthma, affecting more than half of all asthma sufferers, including around two and a half million children. An allergy is a hypersensitive response by the immune system to a normally harmless substance, known as an allergen. The immune system triggers the release of histamines that cause reactions ranging from hives or a runny nose to shortness of breath, or in extreme cases, anaphylactic shock. As for asthma, it's an inflammation of the body's airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways become tight and the lining of the air passages swells. This reduces the amount of air that can come into the lungs, resulting in an asthma attack. Allergic asthma is caused by an allergic reaction to an inhaled substance, such as pollen or mold, which causes histamines to be released, inflaming the airways and initiating an asthma attack. The symptoms of allergic asthma include asthma symptoms, such as coughing, shortness of breath, and wheezing, as well as symptoms of an allergy, such as a stuffy or runny nose and excess mucus in the throat. To determine the triggers of your allergic asthma attacks and to develop a treatment and prevention plan, you should see an asthma specialist regularly. It is important that you follow the prescribed treatments, even if you are feeling okay. Asthma is a potentially life-threatening condition and should not be ignored. The good news is that treatment can provide effective control.