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Can Allergies Cause You To Wheeze

Can These Medical Conditions Be Treated

Allergies and Asthma: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment Options

In one way or another, all three medical conditions described here can be treated and/or managed.

It is important that you dont start treating yourself before you know for sure what your diagnosis is, because you do not want to end up harming yourself even more.

When learning to cope with any of these conditions, bear in mind that your life style may have to suffer drastic changes and that you will have to start with your diet.

If you are allergic to wheat, then you will have to eliminate it completely from your life, and it will have to be the same in the case of the Celiac Disease or in the case of the gluten intolerance.

However, if you are just allergic to wheat, you will be able to eat certain grains that contain gluten .

Furthermore, do bear in mind that although there is no actual medicine to be prescribed for the gluten intolerance , you may be prescribed with antihistamines if you are diagnosed with wheat allergy.

Pollen Can Directly Trigger Asthma

Some people with moderate or severe allergic rhinitis believe that their allergic rhinitis turns into asthma or that it makes them tight in the chest or wheeze. However, pollen can directly trigger asthma as well as allergic rhinitis. Small particles of allergens can penetrate deep into the airways of the lung. Thunderstorms can also contribute to this:

  • When pollen granules come into contact with water, starch granules are released that are small enough to be breathed into the airways, causing allergic rhinitis and asthma in some people.
  • If you wheeze mostly during spring and/or summer, see your doctor for appropriate advice.

How Do Molds Affect People

Exposure to damp and moldy environments may cause a variety of health effects, or none at all. Some people are sensitive to molds. For these people, exposure to molds can lead to symptoms such as stuffy nose, wheezing, and red or itchy eyes, or skin. Some people, such as those with allergies to molds or with asthma, may have more intense reactions. Severe reactions may occur among workers exposed to large amounts of molds in occupational settings, such as farmers working around moldy hay. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath.

In 2004 the Institute of Medicine found there was sufficient evidence to link indoor exposure to mold with upper respiratory tract symptoms, cough, and wheeze in otherwise healthy people with asthma symptoms in people with asthma and with hypersensitivity pneumonitis in individuals susceptible to that immune-mediated condition.

In 2009, the World Health Organization issued additional guidance, the WHO Guidelines for Indoor Air Quality: Dampness and Mould pdf iconexternal icon pdf icon. Other recent studies have suggested a potential link of early mold exposure to development of asthma in some children, particularly among children who may be genetically susceptible to asthma development, and that selected interventions that improve housing conditions can reduce morbidity from asthma and respiratory allergies.

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Environmental Factors And Asthma

Indoor air pollution such as cigarette smoke, mold, and noxious fumes from household cleaners and paints can cause allergic reactions and asthma. Environmental factors such as pollution, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, ozone, cold temperatures, and high humidity are all known to trigger asthma in susceptible individuals. In fact, asthma symptoms and hospital admissions are greatly increased during periods of heavy air pollution. Ozone is the major destructive ingredient in smog. It causes coughing, shortness of breath, and even chest pain and can boost the susceptibility to infection. Sulfur dioxide, another component of smog, also irritates the airways and constricts the air passages, resulting in asthma attacks.

Gas stoves are the primary source of indoor nitrogen dioxide, a common indoor pollutant. Studies show that people who cook with gas are more likely to have wheezing, breathlessness, asthma attacks, and hay fever than those who cook with other methods. It is estimated that more than half of the households in the U.S. use gas stoves.

Weather changes can also result in asthma attacks in some people. For instance, cold air causes airway congestion and an increase in mucus production. Increases in humidity may also cause breathing difficulty in a certain population.

When The Symptoms Persist For Several Days Or Dont Improve With Home Remedies

Can Allergies Cause Fever, Sore Throat or Coughing?

Wheezing may transform into a life-threatening condition. If wheezing doesnt stop in a few days after trying the home remedies or using the nasal drops etc. you should seek a diagnosis from a doctor.

The doctor will examine your breathing pattern and lungs with a stethoscope, and may also ask you to get a breathing test. Make sure you know what triggers lead to wheezing. In addition, the doctor may also call for blood test and x-ray to diagnose the cause of wheezing.

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How To Stop Wheezing In Elderly

Similar to children, wheezing may attack elders frequently. Often, wheezing is accompanied by some kind of respiratory illness in elders. So, wheezing in elders is a sign of a health condition to look for. Since it is recommended not to go for self-medication or OTC drugs without a doctors prescription for wheezing in elders, you can buy a vaporizer. Vaporizers enable peaceful sleep in elders at night.

Tips To Sleep Better With Severe Asthma At Night

Nocturnal asthma is associated with poor sleep quality. This condition of sleeplessness and its effects are worse for children. The average total sleep quality score of children affected by asthma is 51, which is above the clinical cut off of 41, but it indicates the pervasive sleep disturbances among this population.

Here are a few tips that can help you sleep better with asthma at night:

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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 dont get hypersensitivity pneumonitis. If you work in one of these jobs and have a family history, however, you may get the disease.

There Are Many Different Types Of Asthma Brought On By Many Different Triggers

What is wheezing?

If youre struggling with asthma symptoms trouble breathing, a persistent cough or tightness in the chest an allergist can help you take control by providing a diagnosis and identifying the underlying causes.

Learn about the triggers and treatment for allergic asthma and how an allergist can help you manage allergy and asthma symptoms.

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What Kind Of Physician Treats Adult Onset Asthma

Many older patients are treated for asthma by their internist or family physician however, if your asthma symptoms are not under control within three to six months, or if you have severe persistent asthma, or if you are having asthma episodes that need emergency treatment, it may be time to see an asthma specialist. Allergists/Immunologists or pulmonologists are specialists who treat asthma. Those who have completed training in those specialties are usually called board-certified or board-eligible.

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Listening To The Symptoms

Right now many people are anxious and concerned with COVID-19 being so widespread, Dr. Siegel says. But I tell parents that while the symptoms of allergies and COVID-19 can be similar, there are some concrete ways to tell which one their child is experiencing so they will know how to treat it.

Here are several differences that can be important clues:

  • An illness like COVID-19 causes a system-wide response, while an allergy, which is an overreaction of the immune system in response to exposure to a trigger, is usually more localized. For instance, a child with a flu or COVID-19 may have a fever, body aches, chills, a sore throat, weakness, and respiratory symptoms. Someone with allergies will be more likely to have the symptoms centered on the nose, eyes, and throat, and they usually wont have a fever.
  • Allergies cause itchiness: itchy eyes, itchy nose and sneezing, and a tickle in the throat, she says. Itchiness is usually not a symptom of illness.
  • COVID-19 doesnt seem to cause much in the way of nasal symptoms, Dr. Siegel says. That means if your child is sneezing a lot, its more likely allergies, a cold, the flu, or another illness that isnt related to COVID-19.
  • Children with allergies may also have asthma, which can cause wheezing, coughing, and chest tightness. While many people with COVID-19 also have a cough and chest tightness or difficulty breathing, most of the time this isnt accompanied by wheezing, Dr. Siegel says.

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How To Get Rid Of Mucus Buildup In Lungs Naturally

Looking for natural ways on how to get rid of mucus in your lungs? Here are some helpful tips provided by Medical News Today and the National Jewish Health Foundation that your clinician may recommend you try at home:

Stay Hydrated

If youre experiencing the onset of a cold or allergies, drink plenty of fluids, particularly warmer beverages , as they can help thin mucus and provide immediate relief from chest pain caused by congestion.3

Take a Bath or Hot Shower

Another tip from Medical News Today is to slowly inhale the steam from a hot bath or shower. You can also fill a bowl with hot water and gently breathe in the steam and moisture with a towel covering the bowl and your face. This can help loosen mucus and clear it from your nose, reducing sinus pressure, as well as your throat, minimizing chest congestion.4

Practice Huff Coughing

The National Jewish Health Foundation recommends practicing huff coughing: Take a breath that is slightly deeper than normal. Use your stomach muscles to make a series of three rapid exhalations with the airway open, making a ha, ha, ha sound.5 Practice this technique to help loosen and move mucus upward toward the larger airways.

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What To Do In Case Of Mold Allergy Symptoms

How to Stop Wheezing Quickly

In case of continued symptoms indicating possible mold exposure, you may do the following:

  • Consult the doctor if symptoms persist. Follow prescribed allergic medications.
  • Do something to prevent new mold growth, such as cleaning up leaks or spills right away, using exhaust fans or dehumidifiers to reduce humidity and moisture at home, regularly cleaning refrigerator drip pans and garbage cans, regularly checking drainage and clearing gutters.

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How Allergies Can Impact Your Lungs

During the unpredictable health crisis that the world is currently facing, its more important than ever to stay healthy. According to the AAFA over 50 million Americans suffer from allergies. Allergic reactions can cause symptoms in your nose, lungs, throat, sinuses, ears, lining of the stomach, or on the skin. Allergies can also trigger asthma, making it more difficult to breathe. Pulmonary Associates of Richmond shares the connection between lung health and allergies, and what you can do to protect your lungs.

What If I Want To Keep My Pet

Removing the pet from the home is often the best treatment. However, if you still want to keep your pet, there may be some strategies to reduce exposure.

  • Remove your pet from the bedroom. You spend from one-third to one-half of your time there. Keep the bedroom door closed and clean the bedroom aggressively. You might consider using a HEPA air cleaner in your bedroom.
  • Animal allergens are sticky. So you must remove the animal’s favorite furniture, remove wall-to-wall carpet and scrub the walls and woodwork. Keep surfaces throughout the home clean and uncluttered. Bare floors and walls are best.
  • If you must have carpet, select one with a low pile and steam clean it frequently. Better yet, use throw rugs and wash them in hot water.
  • Wear a dust mask to vacuum. Vacuum cleaners stir up allergens that have settled on carpet and make allergies worse. Use a vacuum with a CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® filter if possible.

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How Mold Causes Headaches

Mold exposure itself does not directly cause headaches. However, it causes a variety of health issues that are linked to headaches.

1. The nervous system & headaches

Studies show mold negatively affects the central nervous system. Headaches are a symptom of problems in the central nervous system. Mold can easily enter the nervous system through inhalation, IV drug use, surgery, and even contaminated medical supplies.

2. Rhinitis & headaches

Mold exposure can cause rhinitis, which is irritation/inflammation of the mucous membranes inside the nose. And people with rhinitis have more headaches and migraines.

3. Sick buildings & headaches

If you only get headaches at work or at home, its worth investigating the health of the building. A sick building and/or hidden growth of toxic mold could be the root cause of your headaches.

Sick building syndrome is a medical condition where people in a building become sick for no apparent reason. Nearly 30% of buildings may have sick building syndrome.

One cause of sick building syndrome is mold. About half of residential and commercial buildings have mold growth from water damage.

Properly identifying mold in your house or building is no easy task. All too often, mold growth occurs in areas you cant see, like HVAC systems, crawl spaces, attics, and exhaust fans.

4. Asthma & headaches

As you can see, mold is the common thread of every headache trigger discussed whether its asthma, inflammation, sinus infections or sick buildings.

Consume A Lot Of Warm Liquids To Stop Wheezing

What Causes Wheezing?

Start consuming more warm liquids than solid foods to get rid of wheezing. Consumption of warm and soothing liquids relaxes the stressed airways. Frequent hydration too can clear away the blockage and even prevent recurrent episodes of wheezing.

Some of the warm liquid that you can have to stop wheezing include:

1. Warm Water: Drink more water when you suffer from wheezing. Generally, when you catch a cold and cough, your body needs more liquids to expel the mucus out of your body. Drink at least 5 or 6 glasses more than your regular water consumption.

Drinking warm water loosens the hard mucus blocking the airways. It also prevents mucus from blocking the respiratory tract.

2. Herbal Teas: Herbal teas are always the best bet for respiratory illnesses. Ginger tea, chamomile tea, fennel tea, etc. are the ideal options to soothe the throat, breathing pathway and lungs.

Add honey instead of sugar or palm sugar to enhance the soothing effect.

3. Hot and Clear Soups: You can indulge your senses in hot soups to stop wheezing. Add ginger, garlic, a pod or two of cloves, and black pepper to make it more effective.

Stay away from taking creamy soups or cream based soups. A cream is a dairy product and it can produce more mucus as well as trigger allergy.

4. Porridge: Instead of taking solid foods, replace one or two portions of solid food with hot porridge. Porridge is a comfort food and it can help you stop wheezing.

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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, well 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 whats 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.

Limit Meaty Starchy And Salty Foods

Contrary to popular belief, dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, do not increase mucus production3 and worsen your cough, though there is a connection between dairy and respiratory problems if you have an allergy or lactose intolerance. However, meaty, starchy and salty foods are included in the foods that cause shortness of breath.4 A study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine reports that certain people who consume a diet composed of mostly meat, refined starches and sodium have a 1.43 times higher risk of developing chronic respiratory symptoms and COPD.5

So, if you are trying to avoid foods that cause shortness of breath, which foods should you consider cutting out of your daily diet? Start with the following:

  • Sweets and desserts such as pies, cakes, donuts and sweet rolls
  • Red and processed meats such as hamburger, beef ribs, cold cuts and other luncheon meats
  • French fries and other fried foods such as onion rings, fried chicken, fried zucchini and mozzarella sticks
  • Refined grains such as white rice, cream of wheat, corn and flour tortillas, ready-to-eat breakfast cereals, white bread, sandwich rolls or buns
  • Certain fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Legumes
  • Whole grains
  • Low fat or fat-free dairy products

Additionally, there are foods that may decrease the amount of mucus your body produces, so if you are not allergic to any of these foods, they could help you breathe a little easier. Here are foods that decrease mucus.

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Are There Home Remedies To Help

Finding a way to loosen the mucus in your airways allowing them to expand can help ease the feeling of tightness in the chest. Inhaling steam can be an effective means to do this, as the warm moist air can help loosen mucus. Adding salt to the water can also be beneficial.

Ginger has been found to be effective in reducing airway inflammation. It also acts as a muscle relaxant, helping to open your airways thus reducing chest tightness. Ginger can be consumed with your meal, in the form of tea, or eaten raw or crystallised.

As the tightness in your chest is likely to be the result of feeling congested, then reducing congestion is likely to bring effective relief. Breathing in peppermint or eucalyptus essence, or eating spicy foods, garlic and onions, may be effective in helping to ease congestion.

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