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Can Allergies Cause Shortness Of Breath And Chest Tightness



Are There Conventional Medicines To Help Me

Conventional medicines can be used to treat seasonal allergies symptoms.

In general, doctors are likely to advise anti-histamines to combat the excess release of histamine in the body. Anti-histamines can be bought over-the-counter, and can be taken as required to tackle symptoms or as a preventative measure. Some anti-histamines cause drowsiness and so you may need to be careful when driving or using machinery.

In extreme cases and for quick but short-term relief, your doctor may suggest a course of steroids. It is inadvisable to use steroid treatment for more than ten days, as unpleasant side-effects may be seen with long-term usage.

Other forms of treatment that may be recommended include cromoglycate tablets or sprays. They work by reducing the tendency of your immune system to react to pollen.

What Are Risk Factors For Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis

If you work in jobs such as the following, you may be more likely to get hypersensitivity pneumonitis:

  • Farmers
  • Paper and wallboard makers
  • Inhaling certain chemicals produced in making plastic, painting, and the electronics industry

Most people who work in these jobs don’t get hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you work in one of these jobs and have a family history, however, you may get the disease.

Wheezing Is Also A Symptom Of Whats Known As Allergic Asthma A Person May Be Allergic To Something That Sets Off Wheezing And/or Coughing Fishbein Said Every Once In A While Someone Will Not Have Asthma And Have Very Isolated Allergic Reactions To Things Mostly Seen With Pets Like Cats Or Dogs They Will Only Wheeze In That Scenario But Never Other Times

 

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, half of the 20 million Americans who have asthma have the allergic type of asthma, in which something specific sets off their attack.

 

Bronchitis, meanwhile, mostly occurs as the result of an infection. However, adult smokers who cough a lot are said to have chronic bronchitis. “Again, this is semantics, and one physician might call something bronchitis that another calls asthma,” Fishbein said.

 

Patients likely would need a methacholine challenge to discern whether they have asthma, said Fishbein. Physicians can administer the methacholine challenge test , which is widely used to evaluate for airway hyperresponsiveness, a hallmark sign of asthma.

 

Regardless of the diagnosis or the cause of the symptoms, patients with any difficulty breathing, coughing, wheezing or chest tightness should see their primary care doctor for an evaluation. If their doctor suspects an allergic cause, patients may be referred to an allergist. If at any time breathing becomes extremely difficult, patients should head straight to the emergency room.

The Top 8 Symptoms Of Dust Allergies

Do you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of dust allergies?

Or could it be something else?

Unfortunately, some of the signs of a dust allergy, like sneezing, coughing and a runny nose, are similar to sicknesses such as the common cold.

What may seem to be dust allergy symptoms may actually be a cold and vice versus.

But, how do you know for sure?

Dust allergies can range from mild to severe.

In a mild case, you may experience an occasional outbreak of the symptoms below, while in a severe condition you might notice chronic, ongoing problems.

In this article, we’ll share with you eight of the most common signs that are associated with allergies related to dust and dust mites.

Hopefully, this information will clue you in to what’s really going on with your health.

Note: If symptoms such as wheezing or nasal congestion are severe, you should call your doctor. If shortness of breath or wheezing quickly gets worse, seek emergency care. The information provided in this article should not substitute for professional care.

When To See A Specialist About Your Asthma

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Asthma is not always easy to diagnose, Fineman says, but you should see your doctor if you’re having repeated episodes of wheezing and coughing or shortness of breath. If you’re diagnosed with the condition, work with your doctor to develop an asthma management and action plan.

Although your primary care doctor may be able to diagnose and treat your asthma, if your symptoms don’t respond to a first-line therapy of inhaled and short-acting bronchodilators, Asciuto recommends that you see a lung specialist or allergy and asthma specialist.

Shortness Of Breath And Tightness In Chest: All Possible Causes

Max. D Gray

The feeling of pressure in the chest combined with shortness of breath is a very common symptomatology. As it is nothing specific, there are many conditions that can present these two symptoms at a time, making it very difficult to detect what condition you may have without the corresponding medical evaluation.

In most cases it is simply one of the first symptoms of anxiety or , however, there are other more dangerous diseases that can hide behind these symptoms and should not be overlooked.

In this oneHOWTO article you will find the answer to the possible causes of shortness of breath and tightness in chest by covering all the reasons why you may be feeling this sensation.

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  • Symptoms associated with chest heaviness and shortness of breath
  • Signs And Symptoms Of Anaphylaxis

    Symptoms of anaphylaxis can develop rapidly after exposure to an allergen, usually reaching peak severity within 5 to 30 minutes, but this may be delayed up to 2 hours. Sometimes, a second phase reaction can occur 6-36 hours after the initial anaphylactic reaction in as many as 20% of individuals. Biphasic reactions have been reported to occur even as far out as 72 hours after the initial reaction, though this is rare.

    Anaphylaxis signs and symptoms that may occur alone or in any combination include:

    • Mouth: swelling of the lips, tongues, or palate
    • Eyes/Nose: runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, watery red eyes, itchy eyes, swollen eyes
    • Skin: hives or other rash, redness/flushing, itching, swelling
    • Gut: abdominal pain , vomiting, diarrhea, nausea
    • Throat: hoarseness, tightening of throat, difficulty swallowing, hacking cough, stridor
    • Lungs: shortness of breath, wheezing, coughing, chest pain, tightness
    • Mental: anxiety, panic, sense of doom
    • Circulation/Heart: chest pain, low blood pressure, weak pulse, shock, pale blue color, dizziness or fainting, lethargy

    Symptoms of the throat, lungs, and heart are all immediate and potentially life-threatening. When you, or someone you know, begin to experience symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

    Why Is Seasonal Allergies Associated With Asthma And Wheezing

    People suffering from both asthma and seasonal allergies experience symptoms because their immune systems are over-sensitive to substances normally encountered daily. This includes pollen which we typically associate with seasonal allergies.

    When your body overreacts to pollen, respiratory airways become inflamed and more mucus is produced to trap the pollen particles. This causes your airways to narrow, in turn making it more difficult for you to breathe.

    For many seasonal allergies sufferers this only affects the upper respiratory tract and symptoms are few and mild. However, in those who are prone to asthma, inflammation affects a larger part of the respiratory system. This leads to a greater and deeper degree of inflammation, worsening asthma symptoms.

    This is when the sufferer experiences tightness in the chest. As they breathe, the air passes through these narrowed passages, and creates a whistling sound as it goes. This whistling sound is called wheezing.

    Pulmonary And Cardiac Causes

    Asthma

    Telltale symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and cough. If you have asthma and are exposed to lung irritants or allergens, these triggers may cause the muscles in your airways to constrict and narrow, leading to chest tightness, pain, and pressure.

    You may be advised to use an inhaler to relieve your airways and reduce your symptoms. Studies show that albuterol inhalers can effectively ease chest discomfort and eliminate symptoms of an asthma attack.

    COPD

    If you have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease , you may experience occasional chest tightness. While the primary symptom of COPD is shortness of breath, you may feel chest tightness or a sensation that something is wrapped around your chest even while at rest.

    COPD is often treated through the use of inhalers and nebulizers to help improve breathing. Corticosteroids and phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitors are often prescribed to reduce lung inflammation and reduce COPD flare-ups.

    Coronary Artery Disease

    Coronary artery disease is caused by the narrowing of large blood vessels—known as coronary arteries—that supply oxygen to the heart. Arteries that have become narrow can cause shortness of breath and angina . Angina may also be characterized as chest tightness, heaviness, pressure, fullness, or squeezing.

    Pulmonary Hypertension

    Mitral Valve Prolapse

    Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy

    Pericarditis

    Pleuritis

    Pneumothorax

    Coronary Artery Tear

    Pulmonary Embolism

    Tightness In Chest And Shortness Of Breath Due To Breathing Problems

    Obviously, breathing problems can also lead to symptoms such as chest pain or tightness and difficulty breathing. However, within this group of diseases and pathologies we find very significant differences, both in nature and severity:

    • Pleurisy: This occurs when the membrane that covers the lungs is inflamed. It is a condition that causes great pain in the chest, the thoracic area, while it is difficult to breathe and, during these symptoms you will also hear a whistling sound.
    • Asthma: It is a fairly common condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchi under certain circumstances. Chest pressure and shortness of breath is one of the most common symptoms, the rest you can read in our article on how to tell if you have asthma.
    • Pulmonary embolism: It is caused by a blood clot that prevents the passage of blood into the lungs can cause the same symptomatology.
    • COPD: It is the acronym for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, a condition that mainly affects smokers. It is characterized by pectoral pressure and the sensation of suffocation.
    • Pneumonia: As well as other infections, whether viral or bacterial, that affect the respiratory tract and make it difficult to breathe properly can result in the same symptoms.

    What Is Tightness In The Chest

    Chest tightness describes any discomfort that occurs between your lower neck and upper belly area. Tightness in the chest may be felt all over the chest area or located in one spot or several spots in the chest.

    Chest tightness can occur in any age group. It is sometimes described as chest pressure, chest pain, or a feeling of fullness or weight in the chest.  

    The sensation of chest tightness varies from person to person in terms of how it feels and how often it occurs. Some people may experience chest tightness only once, while others with certain conditions may experience it more frequently.

    Many people assume they are having a heart attack when they experience chest tightness, but there are many reasons why you may be having it.

    An Introduction To Tight Chests And Hayfever

    People afflicted by asthma may also be prone to hayfever. In fact asthma and hayfever are often grouped together and termed ‘atopy’ by doctors. This is because the individual has an increased tendency to develop allergies and typical symptoms of chest tightness and wheezing often occur in both conditions. Atopic individuals can also be prone to skin allergies or eczema.

    Ways To Manage Your Springtime Asthma

    Asthma and chest pain: What is the link?

    If you’re one of the 25 million Americans who suffer from asthma, the allergens of spring can make it difficult to breathe.

    Asthma is a chronic condition in which the airways of the lungs become inflamed and narrow, often due to one or more triggers in the environment. Up to 80 percent of children and half of adults with asthma experience attacks when they come in contact with specific allergens.

    During the spring, tree pollens, mold spores and grass all have the power to inflame and narrow the air passages of people who are sensitive to these natural triggers. Wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing are some of the common symptoms that occur during an asthma attack.

    Among the most common triggers for asthma are:

    • Outdoor allergens
    • Indoor allergens, including pets, dust mites and smoke
    • Cold air
    • Reflux disease

     

    Shortness Of Breath And Tightness In Chest Due To Heart Problems

    As you probably know, chest pain and tightness along with shortness of breath are two of the main symptoms of heart attack along with dizziness, pain in the arm or jaw. However, this does not mean that every time you feel this you are suffering a heart attack, in fact, it may have nothing to do with the circulatory system. On the other hand, in addition to infarction, there are a number of heart problems that may manifest these same symptoms. Here are some of the most common:

    • Aortic dissection: When the aortic wall is torn, the person suffers a very sharp pain in the chest accompanied by severe pain in the back and difficulty in breathing. This condition is considered a medical emergency of first order, because even if treated properly it can cause death in a very short time.
    • Arterial blockage: If you have blocked arteries due to plaque buildup and cholesterol, this chest pressure with a shortness of breath sensation may appear. This condition is called recurrent angina and should be treated properly, as the risk of a heart attack is very high.
    • Pericarditis: It is the infiltration of the membrane lining the heart, usually by a viral or bacterial infection.

    Asthma And Sinusitis: Double Trouble

    Sinusitis is the inflammation of the tissue in the sinuses, leading to discomfort, discharge, and difficulty breathing, among other symptoms. It can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or other conditions.

    Asthma is characterized by inflammation of airways in the lungs. It causes shortness of breath, chest tightness, wheezing, and coughing. It may be caused by allergies, exposure to dust, fumes or other irritants, or other medical conditions.

    Since the sinuses and lung airways are connected, it may seem intuitive that problems with one might affect the other. And they do. This link between sinusitis and asthma has been confirmed by many studies. The medical community has come to refer to this link as the “Unified Airway”.

    These studies examined various facets of the relationship between the conditions, including how surgery for sinusitis sometimes improves asthma symptoms as well.

    The Asthma Is Usually Linked To Allergic Rhinitis

    Environmental allergies can affect your airway in unique ways:

    • Allergic rhinitis affects your nose and sinuses, and may cause sneezing, congestion, and an itchy nose and eyes.
    • mainly affects your lungs, and may cause coughing, wheezing, chest tightness, shortness of breath or rapid breathing.

    But when you have allergic asthma, you’ll likely develop both sets of symptoms at once.

    In children, the signs can be more subtle, notes Dr. Purcell. Kids may say they’re too tired to play, but parents should check for wheezing or coughing. “If the other kids are running around playing, and your child wants to sit on the sidelines, he or she may be having trouble breathing,” he says.

    Can Allergies Be Responsible For Shortness Of Breath

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    Allergy is one the most common conditions affecting about 10-30% of the population worldwide. It is associated with symptoms like itchy, watery eyes, nasal congestion and in rare cases, shortness of breath.But how can a severe symptom like shortness of breath be associated with such a common condition? You may ask. Here we will cover how common allergies cause shortness of breath in many people.What Causes Allergy?Allergy occurs when our immune system responds to a non-threatening substance like pollen, dust mites or animal fur. It is a hypersensitive immune reaction also termed as allergic response.An allergic response initiates when your nasal lining comes into contact with an allergen. Your body starts synthesizing IgE proteins that combine with the allergen and trigger the production histamine which is responsible for all the symptoms that normally associated with an allergy.

    Types Of AllergiesThe type of allergy depends upon the trigger or the allergen. There are several types of allergies some them being more severe than others. Most common types of allergies are:

    • Food Allergy.

    Allergens or triggers can be categorized according to the type of allergy they cause:

    • Airborne allergens: Pollen, dust mites, animal dander, and mold
    • Foods: Peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, eggs, fish, shellfish, and dairy
    • Insect stings: Bee or wasp stings
    • Drug or medications: Penicillin or penicillin-based antibiotic

     

    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 can’t 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 ?

    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 it’s awful feels like i can’t get a deep enough breath.

    I’m 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 don’t 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

    Bacterial And Viral Infections

    Infections such as the flu, acute , and can cause your airways to make extra mucus, which you’ll often cough up. It may be green or yellow in color.

    The new coronavirus that causes COVID-19 doesn’t usually cause mucus in the chest. But complications from the virus can include pneumonia, which does involve chest congestion.

    Inflammation Of The Airways

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    When the body detects an allergen, it tries to reject it by producing antibodies and chemicals, such as histamine. Histamine causes the airways to become inflamed and constricted, and it also causes the body to produce mucus to help expel the allergen.

    As a result, the airways become narrower. When a person breathes through narrowed airways, the air is forced through a smaller-than-usual space, and a whistling sound can result. This sound is wheezing.

    Some causes of wheezing result in short-lived symptoms. Others can cause symptoms that are more serious or longer lasting.

    How Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis Affects Your Body

    When you inhale the dust that you are allergic to, you won’t notice any problems the first time. Some people develop symptoms after inhaling a lot the dust all at once or after inhaling small amounts over and over again. Tiny air sacs in the lungs can become irritated and may fill with fluid. If you stop inhaling the allergen, the irritation can get better in a few days. If you keep inhaling those allergens, the lung irritation continues. Parts of your lung can develop scar tissue. When your lungs have scar tissue, it may be hard to breathe normally.

    It’s important to catch this disease early so that you don’t have permanent lung damage:

    • Hypersensitivity pneumonitis can be a serious problem for people whose lungs become scarred.
    • Scarred lungs can occur if the disease continues, and it is permanent.
    • Unfortunately, there is no cure or treatment for long-term hypersensitivity pneumonitis.

    Take A Preventative Stance

    If you’re especially sensitive to springtime allergens, use air conditioning in the house and car to limit your exposure. If you’ve been outdoors, wash your hair and clothes when you get home to get rid of those allergens. Clear your nasal passages with a Neti pot or other nasal irrigation method. Indoors, try to clear your house of allergens that trigger you.

    What Causes Shortness Of Breath With Allergies

    Consulting an internist who specializes in allergies can help you pinpoint allergens that trigger a severe response. You can also keep a journal to document your surroundings when you have difficulty breathing. Shortness of breath is a serious medical condition. If you find yourself wheezing, seek emergency medical treatment.

    When To See An Allergist

    See an allergist if you develop unexplained wheezing that keeps coming back or along with other symptoms, such as rapid breathing or problems taking in air.

    If you begin wheezing after being stung by an insect, taking medication or eating something you are allergic to, then get emergency treatment. You should also seek emergency treatment if you have difficulty breathing or your skin turns blue.

    If you have mild wheezing that comes with a cold or an upper respiratory infection, you might not need treatment.

    What You Can Do At Home

    To control or loosen mucus at home, you can try the following remedies:

    Drink lots of fluids. Drink plenty of and other fluids, but not things that can dehydrate you, such as and .

    Humidify. Try a cool mist or hop into a steamy shower to keep your airways moisturized.

    Don’t smoke or anything. Whether from or , smoke is an irritant and can cause your body to make more mucus.

    Try a teaspoon of honey. Though honey doesn’t get rid of mucus, it can calm your cough temporarily.

    Check air filters. Other irritants in the air can make mucus production worse, so make sure your heating and cooling system filters are clean and up to date.

    Take an expectorant. Some cough medicines contain , which loosens mucus so you can cough it up.

    The Triggers Are In Your Environment

    While many different substances can trigger allergic asthma, they all have one thing in common: They’re in the environment, not in your food or your medication.

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    “Pet dander, dust mites, cockroaches, mold and pollen can all trigger allergic asthma,” says Dr. Purcell.

    If pollen or mold trigger the condition, it may occur only . If your pets or the dust mites on your bedding trigger it, you may suffer year-round, he notes.

    The Basics Of Diagnosing Asthma

    Your doctor will probably start your examination by delving into your past medical history and asking whether any of your relatives have allergies or asthma. You’ll also be asked to describe your symptoms, their severity, and what, if anything, is  them.

    “Triggers could include cold air, dust, hairsprays, perfumes, household cleaner vapors, cigarette or cigar smoke, and air pollution,” Asciuto says.

    Doctors also try to narrow down the list of culprits by asking these additional questions:

    Next, your doctor will listen to your breathing with a stethoscope and may order one or more of these diagnostic tests:

    It’s also important to note that you can have asthma without experiencing any of the hallmark symptoms. There’s no single patient profile for asthma, says Dr. Fineman. “Some will have more coughing, some more wheezing, and some have more problems breathing with exercise,” he says.

    Learn How To Manage Symptoms

    Home Remedies for Severe Chest Congestion and Shortness of ...

    The good news is that today’s treatments for and allergies — mainly medication and inhalers — are very effective.

    “They’re relatively easy to use and have minimal side effects,” Dr. Purcell says. “When symptoms are more severe or do not respond to other measures, allergy shots is very effective.”

    One option that should not be on the table is letting allergic asthma ruin your quality of life. “The goal is to manage your condition so that it never limits the activities you love because they trigger an allergic reaction,” he says.

    Working with your doctor will help you find a treatment plan that works for you.


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