When To Seek Help
Anyone with both COPD and allergies or asthma should work with a doctor to find solutions. Having allergies, asthma, or both may make COPD symptoms worse. Additionally, overlaps between these conditions may put a person at risk of complications and breathing difficulties.
Finding a way to manage these symptoms in daily life is important. What works will vary in each case, which is why it is important to work with a doctor. The doctor can prescribe medications or combinations of medications to help control the symptoms with as few interactions or side effects as possible.
How Do Pet Allergens Occur
Pet allergens are very light weight and small. They remain suspended in the air for a long time, much longer than allergens from cockroaches or dust mites. Because of their microscopic size and jagged shape, pet allergens easily stick to furniture, bedding, fabrics and many items carried into and out of the home. Animal dander is easily spread through the home and out to public places like schools and hospitals. 1 They can be found even in homes and buildings without pets. 1
What Are The Causes Of Allergic Asthma
You develop allergies when your immune system overreacts to the presence of a harmless substance called an allergen. Some people may develop breathing problems from inhaling allergens. This is known as allergic asthma. It occurs when the airways swell as part of an allergic reaction.
In general, inhaled allergens cause allergic asthma. Some allergens that can cause this condition include:
- pollen
- strong odors, including scented lotions and perfumes
- chemical fumes
Less common allergens that can cause an asthmatic reaction include:
- cockroaches
- wheat
- tree nuts
Even though an asthmatic reaction to these allergens is less common, they may cause a more serious reaction.
Allergic asthma and regular asthma have the same symptoms. They include:
- wheezing
If you have hay fever or skin allergies, you might also experience:
- itchy skin
If you swallowed the allergen, these symptoms might be present as well:
- hives
- swollen mouth, throat, or lips
- anaphylaxis
You May Like: Can Allergies Make You Throw Up
Perimenopause/menopause And Shortness Of Breath/chest Tightness/ Belching
Anyone have the symptoms of shortness of breath with chest tightness, with lots of belching after eating? If so please describe And does it get better? Mine started like 3 weeks ago and its awful feels like i cant get a deep enough breath.
Im also experiencing food allergies/sensitivities also to soaps and flowers and different smells, all make me choke/ cough and feels like chest tightness. Never ever have I had asthma in my life but feels like it now! My anxiety/ panic attacks are bad, antibodies are high for rheumatoid arthritis, and hashimotos, just dont know how to deal with all these new symptoms that keep getting thrown at me other than to sit and cry, cry cry! Anyone else having similar issues??? Are these symptoms all consistent with the menopause change??
11 likes, 145 replies
What Is Hay Fever
People affected by hay fever experience an allergic reaction to pollenfrom plants. The type of allergic reaction involved in hay fever an allergic rhinitis reaction, which may involve a skin rash called hives, as well as coughing, sneezing and itchty, watery eyes. Allergic rhinitis is one of the atopic diseases; a set of genetically inherited conditions including asthma, atopic eczema and atopic dermatitis.
Plants produce more during the early spring and summer months. For this reason,the allergic rhinitis that occurs in hay fever can also be described as seasonal rhinitis.Both adults and children can suffer from hay fever and it is estimated to affect between40 and 60 million people in the United States.
You May Like: Robitussin Pills
The Facts You Should Know About Breathing Allergies
When your body reacts to some specific elements in the air, then you can face respiratory allergies. You can face breathing-related allergies because of pollen, dust mites, mold and pet dander.
You may notice that sometimes you face an allergy problem in a specific season. It is called seasonal allergy. When you suffer from allergy only in the presence of a specific element like when you play with pets. This is called situational allergy. Everybody does not react in the same way to a specific element. Therefore, you should not depend on others’ reactions to analyze your allergy reaction.
What Nasal And Sinus Problems May Lead To Breathing Difficulty
Breathing difficulty can be caused by numerous factors, including sinus and nasal conditions that lead to restricted, congested or inflamed nasal passages.
Sinus and nasal problems that cause breathing issues may include:
- Chronic sinusitis,;which can cause;nasal congestion;and;post-nasal drip
- Deviated septum
- Enlarged nasal turbinates
- Allergic rhinitis
Simply put, any sinus or nasal problem that leads to potential nasal obstruction, either due to a physical, structural issue or due to an inflammatory sinus condition can be the source of breathing difficulty.
You May Like: Does Kaiser Cover Allergy Testing
Does An Allergy Cause You To Be Short Of Breath
Shortness of breath is a common symptom of asthma, but in some cases, allergies can cause asthma-like symptoms. Allergic rhinitis, hay fever and the bodys response to exercise can all result in shortness of breath 3. If youre unsure what is causing the symptom, consult with an allergist and keep a journal of your surroundings when the symptoms occur.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Medications For Temporary Relief
For many people affected by hay fever, short-term medications effectively treat the symptomsof hay fever on a temporary basis. Alleviating the symptoms when they flare up is usuallysufficient for someone with hay fever to maintain a normal quality of life.
Antihistamines relieve the symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as itching, skinirritation and watery eyes. They can be administered as needed as nasal spray, tablets oreye drops.
Nasal corticosteroid medications are very effective at reducing the symptomscaused by allergies. Used over time, they can help to desensitise the nasal passageway tothe allergens which cause hay fever.
Recommended Reading: Can You Take Allergy Medicine With Antibiotics
Superior Vena Cava Syndrome
Superior vena cava syndrome is a serious condition that can cause swelling and discoloration in the face and neck.
The superior vena cava is a large vein that carries blood from the head, neck, and upper chest back to the heart. SVC syndrome occurs when this vein becomes obstructed.
The cause of this obstruction is often a tumor pressing against the vein, which can occur in someone with lung or breast cancer. However, there are other possible causes, including tuberculosis and a swollen thyroid.
Symptoms of SVC syndrome can develop gradually over time and may also include:
- shortness of breath
Donât Miss: Can You Lose Sense Of Taste And Smell With Allergies
What Are The Real Causes Of Breathing Problems
Breathing problem can be caused by several factors such as too cold and hot temperature, history of acute sinusitis, triggers such as dusts and molds. One of the conditions that can trigger difficulty in breathing is sinusitis. This can make a person suffer for a week or more. It happens when the sinuses are being inflamed and congested.
Many of this kind of breathing disorder are long-term or chronic such as asthma, allergies and sinusitis. When one of these occurs, the suffered will likely experience runny nose, nasal congestion, watery and itchy eyes, wheezing, chest congestion, shallow breathing and labored breathing.
Why this happen? The nasal passage is one way for us to inhale oxygen and not only oxygen can possible enter that passage but as well allergens and viruses. The air that enters the nasal passage enters directly into the lungs which often associated with lung disorders. Once the passage is being infected by the harmful microorganism, an inflammation could likely occur and when this happens, reflexes are being triggered and end up as asthma.
What are the Ways to Diagnose a Breathing Problem?
First and foremost, seeking a doctors advice can contribute a lot in addressing such problem. The doctor will be guided in diagnosing the problem through an allergy test. This will help in identifying the root cause of the breathing problem.
Read Also: Robitussin Allergy Cough Syrup
What Is The Treatment For Anaphylaxis
Epinephrine is the most important treatment available. Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors so you can quickly treat a reaction wherever you are. .
- Promptly inject the medicine at the first sign of an anaphylactic reaction.;Consider carrying your anaphylaxis action plan along with your auto-injectors.
- Call 911 to go to a hospital by ambulance. You must seek medical care;immediately; even if you feel better because symptoms can recur.
- You may need other treatments, in addition to epinephrine.;
If you think you are having anaphylaxis, use your self-injectable epinephrine and call 911.Do not delay. Do not take antihistamines in place of epinephrine. Epinephrine is the most effective treatment for anaphylaxis.
How To Protect Your Lungs
Check the air quality and pollen forecasts before you venture outside
Do any yard work early in the morning when pollen counts are at their lowest
Keep your home clean to avoid indoor allergens
Know your triggers, and avoid them. If you arent sure what your triggers are an appointment with an allergist can help you pinpoint them.
If you struggle with severe allergies, consult with Pulmonary Associates of Richmond. Our team of pulmonary specialists can diagnose seasonal allergies, prescribe medications, and recommend tests to evaluate the health of your lungs, and explain the ways that your allergies impact lungs and overall health. Contact us to schedule your pulmonary appointment today, and let us help you breathe better.;
Don’t Miss: Dr Morosky Allergy
Can A Dog Get Hives From An Allergic Reaction
Just like humans, a canines dog will usually break out in bumps and circular lumps. However, the reaction is likely to become more severe if it is untreated. The dog might begin scraping excessively because hives are very itchy, and it will lead to the wound of the skin. Dog Allergic Reaction Bumps Treatment
How To Alleviate Allergies Causing Shortness Of Breath For Days
According to the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, shortness of breath can be a sign of asthma, but certain conditions can trigger shortness of breath with allergies. If you have allergies , pollen and other allergens can cause shortness of breath and other respiratory challenges for days. Airfree air purifiercan help reduce allergens in your home so you can be safer against shortness of breath allergies cause.
Also Check: How Much Local Honey To Take For Allergies
What Symptoms May Be Associated With Sinus And Nasal
Breathing trouble caused by nose-related factors can also bring with it a host of other unpleasant symptoms, which may include:
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
Along with breathing difficulty, all of these associated symptoms can significantly impact a persons everyday activities, which is why proper medical evaluation is so critical.
What Causes Breathing Problems
Some people have;trouble breathing;when they get a;cold. For others, its caused by infections like sinusitis.;Sinusitis;can make it hard to breathe through your nose for a week or two, until the;inflammation;eases and your congested;sinuses;begin to drain.
Many breathing problems are long-term . These include chronic;sinusitis, allergies, and;asthma. They can cause symptoms such as nasal;congestion, a;runny nose, itchy or watery;eyes, chest congestion,;coughing,;wheezing, trouble breathing, and shallow breathing.
Your nasal passage is a pathway for viruses and allergens to enter your;lungs. So your nose and sinuses are often linked with many lung disorders.;Sinus;or nasal passage;inflammation;may trigger;asthma attacks. And the No. 1 trigger for asthma is allergies.
More than 50 million Americans have allergies. And 17 million American adults have asthma. The two often happen together. Without treatment, they can make life miserable.
Smoking causes breathing problems because it damages the tubes, or airways, that carry air to your lungs. It also damages the tiny air sacs, or alveoli, in your lungs that move oxygen into your blood and remove carbon dioxide . Even secondhand smoke can lead to breathing problems.
Cigarette smoking causes most lung cancer as well as most cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease;.
Breathing problems may also stem from other serious problems such as;tuberculosis,;pneumonia, COVID-19, and;lung disease;related to;HIV;or;AIDS.
Continued
Read Also: Baby Pollen Allergy Symptoms
Which Tests Are Used To Diagnose Breathing Problems
Doctors diagnose breathing problems by doing a;physical exam, asking about your overall health, and using various tests. For instance, pulmonary or lung function tests can measure lung function in people who have;asthma. These include;spirometry;and a test known as a methacholine challenge.
Spirometry is a simple breathing test. It measures how much air you can blow in and out of your lungs, and how fast and how easily you can do this. It can tell whether your airways are blocked and how much. A methacholine challenge test may help with a;diagnosis of asthma. Your doctor will know which test is best for your situation.
Your doctor may take an X-ray to see inside your chest, including your;heart, lungs, and bones. A chest X-ray is a good test to diagnose pneumonia. But it can’t identify most breathing problems by itself. Some people with breathing problems may need a;CT scan;of their chest. It uses X-rays and a computer to create detailed images.
If you have long-term sinusitis, your doctor may order a special sinus CT scan.
How To Protect Your Lungs From Seasonal Allergies
Check the outdoor air quality levels and pollution forecasts before you venture outside. If you do go outside, scope out the environment for obvious allergy triggers.
Do gardening and lawn maintenance in the early morning or in the evening, while pollen counts are at their lowest.
Stay away from citronella candles, bug sprays, strong-smelling candles, and other seasonal products that can irritate your lungs. Opt for mosquito repellants in lotion form rather than in sprays.
Use medications as prescribed and keep your allergy medications handy.
Consult with a medical professional. Doctors can diagnose seasonal allergies, prescribe medications, and recommend imaging tests to evaluate the health of your lungs.;For more information, make an appointment today with Virtual Imaging, Inc. at .
Also Check: Can Allergies Cause Vomiting
Knowing The Difference Between A Food Allergy And Food In Your Lungs
Food allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, including shortness of breath and an increase in mucus. However, the symptoms of food in the lungs are different. While pulmonary aspiration is not a great concern and only causes short-term shortness of breath, aspiration pneumonia can cause an infection. Make sure you know what to look out for so you are familiar with the more worrisome symptoms of food in your lungs and can respond correctly:
- Frequent cough with foul-smelling phlegm
- Shortness of breath
- Swallowing problems
If you feel like you have inhaled food or liquid, or if you think stomach acid has entered your lungs, and you experience these symptoms of food in the lungs, seek medical attention. Aspiration pneumonia can lead to serious infections or other complications.
How Do Allergies Affect Lung Health
Asthma symptoms such as shortness of breath are closely related to allergies. Allergens such as ragweed, pollen, animal dander, or dust mites can trigger these symptoms.; Irritants in the air like smoke, chemical fumes, strong odors, or extreme weather conditions can also be triggers. In more extreme cases, hypersensitivity pneumonitis can occur. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is an allergic reaction that causes inflammation in the lung tissue and the smallest airways.
Recommended Reading: Robitussin Allergy And Cough
Questions To Ask Your Health Care Provider
Making notes before your visit and taking along a trusted family member or friend can help you through the first appointment with your doctor. The following are questions you can ask your health care provider:
- I have hypersensitivity pneumonitis from workplace dust. Is it safe for me to continue working?
- Are there things I cant do at work?
- Do I have to give up my pet birds?
- Should I stay out of hot tubs?
- Can my family members get the disease if I have it?
- What tests will I need to find out if I have hypersensitivity pneumonitis?
- How often should I get lung function tests?
- How often should I get chest X-rays and CT scans?
- Do I need to be on medications ?
Breathing Problems What Are The Triggers
Breathing problem;is getting more and more common these days because of the natural modification and changes in the climate. The main causes of breathing problem mainly depend on the living place and the lifestyle of the sufferer.
The first and most common cause of;breathing problem;is the dust and also termed as allergy. If you have a constant exposure to dust, then there is a high possibility that you will develop;breathing problem. Both the dust particles and the dust mites are components of the dust.
Both of them are microorganisms that react with the inner cells and to organs of the human body that causes to trigger the problem in breathing. The dust goes inside the human body when they are inhaled and when it reaches the lungs, it blocks the cells of the lungs resulting to a problem with breathing.
The;breathing problem;may also occur when, the mold on your home attacks you. The mold has a very serious tendency to attack human body and people easily get allergic when they have been exposed to molds. And the;breathing problem;is one of the most common symptoms of this mold allergy.
Another very important reason that might cause problem with breathing is the location of living. For example, living in too hot or too cold environment might cause breathing problem. Also, exposure in very low temperature can also cause same problem.
Don’t Miss: Allergy Forecast Nyc
