Understanding the connection between eczema, asthma, and allergies
If your child has atopic dermatitis (AD), it’s possible that they may also live with other atopic conditions like asthma and allergies… so what is the connection between these conditions?
AD is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that is caused by multiple factors which include genetics, the immune system, and the environment. In terms of the immune system, a disrupted or dysregulated immune system can lead to symptoms of AD. This immune disruption can also cause other immune related conditions, such as asthma and allergies.
During a recent webinar, Toronto-based paediatric dermatologist Dr. Marissa Joseph, MD, FRCPC explained these factors as they relate to other atopic conditions: “In the case of AD, some sufferers may also experience asthma and hay fever, which all share the same underlying biological process that has been disrupted. This connection between AD, asthma and hay fever is referred to as the ‘atopic triad’ and having two or more of these conditions may impact a patient’s treatment plan.”
However, it is important to note that if one of these three conditions is present, it does not mean that the other two will necessarily develop. Dr. Joseph went on to explain: “Just because you have one, doesn’t mean you’re automatically going to get the other two; for example, not all children who have AD are going to develop asthma. It is however helpful for parents to tell their child’s doctor if they’ve noted their child rubbing their eyes (a symptom of seasonal allergies) a lot in the spring or coughing after exertion (a symptom of asthma).”
If you or your child is suffering from AD as well as asthma and/or allergies, it is important that you mention this to your doctor. They may also need to consult with other specialized doctors like an immunologist or dermatologist. If you have concerns about your child’s health, speak with a qualified health care professional for more information.
Eczema Society of Canada (ESC) thanks Dr. Marissa Joseph, MD, FRCPC, for sharing her expertise during ESC’s March 2022 Life with Eczema virtual event series and on this content. Funding for the Life with Eczema Winter 2022 event series was generously provided by Pfizer Canada and Sanofi Genzyme, a division of Sanofi-Aventis Canada Inc.
Disclaimer: Information provided in this resource does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be used as a diagnostic tool. The information is up-to-date at time of publication. All medications, interventions, and treatment plans have risks and benefits, and it is important that individuals discuss their or their child’s specific health care needs with a qualified health care professional.
March 2022
