Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Shortness of Breath?
Asthma symptoms, such as shortness of breath, are often closely linked to allergies and exposure to
allergens, such as ragweed, pollen, animal dander, or dust mites. Irritants in the air, such as smoke, chemical fumes,
strong odors, insect bites, and stings (during spring) can also be triggers.
For people who suffer from allergies or asthma, it is important to try to avoid contact with these triggers whenever
possible. In some cases, however, it may not be possible to avoid them every time.
What Causes Seasonal Allergies?
Why do some people get seasonal allergies? Our bodies react differently, and sometimes, they overreact to
certain substances in the environment. Usually, during spring, summer, or fall, when the environment is changing and
certain plants are pollinating, you may feel your allergies become stronger or stop suddenly. It is because your
immune system is reacting to these changes.
A variety of environmental factors can cause an allergic reaction in you. The most common culprits are pollen and mold
spores. The various reactions can range from sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes to having difficulty in breathing.
Sometimes, it may trigger asthma.
What Are The Symptoms Of Seasonal Allergies?
It is less common to have seasonal allergies in winter, but some may persist year-round. You may experience slight or mild irritation or need help with critical needs like breathing.
- SneezingAre you wondering if sneezing is something significant enough to check your allergies? Surely, sneezing is normal, right? It’s a way of removing what your body thinks are irritants from your nose or throat. But when you have an allergic reaction that makes you sneeze, we are talking about sneezing continuously. Sometimes it is so bad, that you are at the receiving end of a swollen nose, throat, and eyes that won't stop watering. If you are experiencing something like this, and you don't know why, you should probably check for allergies.
- Itchy Nose and/or ThroatIf you have rhinitis-like symptoms, your body is reacting to something it considers a threat by releasing histamine to fight it. If your symptoms are low, you can try salt water gargles, a spoonful of honey to help soothe, and try warm water or tea. If you feel discomfort and are in pain, it is better to go for cough drops or nasal spray after consulting with an allergist.
- Nasal CongestionIf you have allergies, the passages of your nose and sinuses swell in an attempt to flush out allergens. This can cause difficulty breathing, as well as a runny nose and watery eyes. In severe cases, an allergic reaction can even lead to anaphylaxis, which is a potentially life-threatening condition. If you have nasal congestion, you can try to steam your face gently, stay hydrated, and see if propping yourself up can help. A general anti-allergic spray may help. In the long run, however, it is best to have personalized medication to solve your problem.
- Clear, Runny NoseEspecially after the recent pandemic, people often wonder if their symptoms are allergic, general flu, or covid. If your mucus is clear, or you have watery, itchy eyes, add a few sneezes, it is most probably an allergic reaction. Although a runny nose is not life-threatening, it drains you and often disrupts your routine.
- Post Nasal DripSecretions from the nose can drain down into the throat and cause congestion and cough. This can be a particular problem at night when you are lying down. Treatments to ease the symptoms include decongestants and antihistamines. There are several things you can do to help alleviate your postnasal drip. These include elevating your head to allow gravity to drain mucus from your nasal passages, drinking fluids (particularly hot fluids), gargling salt water, and inhaling steam. By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce your post nasal drip and improve your overall comfort.
Why Do Seasonal Allergies Cause Shortness Of Breath?
An environmental allergy can affect your airway, potentially resulting in shortness of breath. Your lungs can't hold as much air when they are affected by swelling or mucus buildup. That makes it difficult for you to breathe and may cause you to feel short of breath. If you have an allergy to something in your environment, it's important to avoid exposure to the allergen. Talking with an expert will open the various treatments you can go for, and know what medication will help you and make your life easier.
Next steps
If you're allergic to mountain cedar, there are ways to relieve your cedar fever symptoms. Frontier
Allergy provides you with allergy testing, allergy shots, and other treatment options. And while there's no sure way
to avoid cedar fever altogether, you can manage your symptoms.
Our daily allergy report can help you stay ahead of the pollen curve by letting you know when counts are high in your
area. When the pollen count is high, it's best to keep your windows closed and spend less time outdoors.
Written by: Dr. Neha Reshamwala
NPI number: 1780874578
Page last reviewed: 03/20/21
