Respiratory allergy: main symptoms, causes and what to do

Respiratory allergy corresponds to an exaggerated response of the immune system to substances such as dust, pollen, animal hair or fungi, for example, causing exacerbation of respiratory diseases such as rhinitis, asthma or sinusitis.

Generally, respiratory allergies are more common in people with a genetic predisposition or who have a greater sensitivity of the immune system to the substances responsible for the allergy. Symptoms are more likely to appear in spring or autumn, due to the decrease in humidity and the increase in the concentration of these substances in the air.

To treat respiratory allergies correctly, the allergist must study the cause and recommend the use of specific remedies for the problem, as well as other precautions that facilitate recovery, such as avoiding frequenting highly polluted places and drinking plenty of water on a daily basis.

Main symptoms

The most common symptom of respiratory allergy is the appearance of frequent sneezing, but other symptoms are also common, such as:

• Dry cough;
• Nasal discharge;
• Itchy eyes, nose or throat;
• Headache;
• Tearing eyes.

Symptoms may appear separately and there is usually no fever. In babies, the symptoms are the same, however it is important that the baby is evaluated by a pediatrician so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.

Respiratory allergy in pregnancy

Respiratory allergies during pregnancy are very common and occur mainly due to hormonal changes, increased blood volume and bodily changes that pregnant women experience during pregnancy.

If the pregnant woman suffers from a respiratory disease, such as asthma, it is important that, before pregnancy, she consults an allergist to begin appropriate treatment and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Respiratory allergies during pregnancy can be treated with the use of allergy medicines that are safe and should always be advised by a doctor.

Online symptom test

To find out the possibility of having an allergy, such as a respiratory allergy, please indicate the symptoms you are experiencing below:

This test is just a guidance tool. Therefore, it is not intended to provide a diagnosis and does not replace consultation with an allergist, immunologist or general practitioner.

How to confirm the diagnosis

The diagnosis of respiratory allergy is made by a general practitioner or allergist based on the signs and symptoms presented by the person. However, allergy tests can also be performed, which are carried out in the doctor’s office, to confirm the allergy and find out which agent is responsible.

Carrying out an allergy test often helps to identify the possible cause of respiratory allergies, allowing the person to more effectively avoid new attacks. Understand how allergy testing is done.

Possible causes of allergy

Respiratory allergy is caused by factors that can irritate the nasal mucosa and trigger a response from the immune system, leading to the appearance of characteristic symptoms.

Thus, the occurrence of this type of allergy may be due to the presence of mites that accumulate in dust, blankets, carpets and curtains, in addition to being triggered by pollen from trees and plants, pollution, smoke and pet hair, for example. example.

Furthermore, some situations can increase the risk of developing respiratory allergies, such as having a family history of allergies, working in a place with a lot of dust, a lot of exposure to mold, living in a house with a lot of humidity or poor ventilation.

What to do to alleviate symptoms

The use of anti-allergy medications, prescribed by a general practitioner or allergist, reduces respiratory allergy symptoms, but there are also other measures that include:

• Drink at least 1 liter of water per day;
• Avoid smoking or going to places with smoke or pollution;
• Renew the air in the house every day by opening the windows;
• Keep the house clean and vacuumed to avoid dust accumulation;
• Preferably use a vacuum cleaner with a water filter;
• Avoid rugs, carpets and cloth curtains, especially in the bedroom;
• Keep pets out of the bedroom.

In addition to these tips, people can prevent respiratory allergies by using anti-mite fabrics and materials to cover pillows, mattresses and sofas, for example. Check out some natural options to alleviate respiratory allergies.