<s>[INST] Is asthma an allergy? [/INST] Asthma and allergies are related but they are not the same thing. An allergy is a reaction to a substance that is usually harmless. These substances can be inhaled, injected, swallowed, or touched. A person who is exposed to an allergen may react with irritation and swelling in specific areas of the body such as the nose, eyes, lungs or skin.An example of an allergic reaction of the skin is called eczema, an itchy rash commonly found in the creases of the arms, legs and neck.An allergic reaction in the nose is called rhinitis or hay fever. Common symptoms of allergic rhinitis are itchy, runny nose, stuffiness, sneezing, ear blockage and watery eyes.In the lungs, an allergic reaction manifests itself as asthma. Although allergens are common asthma triggers, many experience asthma symptoms with non-allergic triggers such as smoke, cold air or exercise. Source: AIM. Link: https://getasthmahelp.org/adult-faq.aspx. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Asthma </s>