Respiratory Allergies
What is Respiratory Allergies?
Respiratory allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to substances in the air you breathe. Common triggers include pollen from trees like cottonwood, maple, and olive, as well as grass and weed pollen like sheep sorrel. Indoor allergens like mouse urine proteins and mold spores can also cause reactions year-round.
When you breathe in these allergens, your body releases chemicals like histamine that cause inflammation in your airways. This inflammation leads to the uncomfortable symptoms you experience. Some people develop allergies in childhood, while others develop them as adults.
Respiratory allergies affect more than 50 million Americans each year. They can impact your quality of life, sleep, and daily activities. The good news is that identifying your specific triggers can help you avoid them and find the right treatment approach.
Symptoms
- Sneezing and runny or stuffy nose
- Itchy, watery, or red eyes
- Itchy nose, throat, or roof of mouth
- Postnasal drip that causes coughing
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- Fatigue and trouble sleeping
- Sinus pressure and headaches
- Dark circles under the eyes
Some people experience mild symptoms only during certain seasons. Others face symptoms year-round if exposed to indoor allergens. Symptoms can range from barely noticeable to severe enough to interfere with work and daily life.
Concerned about Respiratory Allergies? Check your levels.
Screen for 1,200+ health conditions
Causes and risk factors
Respiratory allergies develop when your immune system mistakenly identifies harmless substances as dangerous invaders. Genetics play a significant role, as allergies tend to run in families. If one parent has allergies, you have about a 30 percent chance of developing them. If both parents have allergies, your risk jumps to 70 percent.
Environmental factors also matter. Early childhood exposure to certain allergens, pollution, and tobacco smoke can increase your risk. Tree pollens from cottonwood, maple, olive, and white mulberry are common outdoor triggers in spring and summer. Weed pollen from plants like sheep sorrel peaks in late summer and fall. Indoor allergens like mouse urine proteins can cause symptoms any time of year, especially in older buildings or homes with pest issues.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose respiratory allergies through a combination of your medical history, physical exam, and specialized allergy testing. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they occur, and what makes them better or worse. They may examine your nose, throat, and eyes for signs of allergic inflammation.
Specific allergy tests can identify which substances trigger your symptoms. Skin prick tests involve placing tiny amounts of allergens on your skin to see if you react. Blood tests measure antibodies your immune system makes in response to specific allergens like tree pollens, weed pollens, and animal proteins. These specialized tests require a doctor's order and are typically performed by allergists or immunologists. Talk to a healthcare provider about which testing approach makes sense for your symptoms.
Treatment options
- Avoid known allergens when possible by staying indoors during high pollen counts
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters in your home and bedroom
- Keep windows closed during allergy season and use air conditioning
- Wash bedding weekly in hot water to remove allergens
- Shower and change clothes after spending time outdoors
- Over-the-counter antihistamines can reduce sneezing, itching, and runny nose
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays reduce inflammation in nasal passages
- Decongestants provide short-term relief for stuffy nose
- Prescription medications like leukotriene inhibitors block inflammatory chemicals
- Allergy shots or sublingual tablets can reduce sensitivity over time
- See an allergist if symptoms interfere with daily life or over-the-counter medications do not help
Frequently asked questions
Respiratory allergies cause symptoms that last as long as you are exposed to the allergen, often weeks or months. Colds are caused by viruses and typically resolve within 7 to 10 days. Allergy symptoms include itchy eyes and nose, which are rare with colds. Cold symptoms often include body aches and fever, which allergies do not cause.
Yes, you can develop respiratory allergies at any age even if you never had them before. Your immune system can change over time due to new environmental exposures, hormonal changes, or stress. Moving to a new location with different plants and allergens is a common trigger. Adult-onset allergies are increasingly common and affect millions of people.
Specialized allergy testing is the best way to identify your specific triggers. Skin prick tests and blood tests can detect allergies to dozens of substances including tree pollens, weed pollens, grasses, and animal allergens. Your allergist will recommend testing based on your symptoms and when they occur. Knowing your specific allergens helps you avoid them and choose the right treatment.
Most respiratory allergies are not dangerous but can significantly impact quality of life. In some cases, untreated allergies can lead to complications like sinus infections, ear infections, or worsening asthma. Rarely, severe allergic reactions can affect breathing and require emergency care. Working with a healthcare provider helps prevent complications and manage symptoms effectively.
There is no permanent cure for respiratory allergies, but they can be managed very effectively. Immunotherapy through allergy shots or sublingual tablets can reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time. Many people see significant improvement or complete resolution of symptoms after 3 to 5 years of immunotherapy. Avoiding triggers and using medications as directed also provides excellent symptom control.
Tree pollen allergies typically peak in spring, usually from March through May depending on your location. Trees like cottonwood, maple, olive, and mulberry release pollen as they begin their growing season. Warm, dry, and windy days spread pollen farther and cause worse symptoms. Rain can temporarily reduce pollen counts by washing pollen from the air.
Yes, indoor allergens like mouse urine proteins, dust mites, mold, and pet dander cause symptoms throughout the year. These allergens accumulate in homes, especially in bedding, carpets, and poorly ventilated areas. People with indoor allergies often notice worse symptoms in winter when homes are closed up. Regular cleaning, air filtration, and humidity control help reduce indoor allergen exposure.
Allergies can change throughout your life and do not follow a predictable pattern. Some people find their allergies improve with age, while others experience worsening symptoms. Environmental changes, new exposures, and overall health status all play a role. Regular follow-up with your healthcare provider ensures your treatment plan stays effective as your allergies change.
While diet cannot cure respiratory allergies, some foods may help reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, vitamin C from fruits and vegetables, and quercetin from apples and onions have anti-inflammatory properties. Some people with pollen allergies experience oral itching from certain raw fruits and vegetables due to cross-reactivity. Keeping a food and symptom diary can help identify any dietary triggers.
Consider seeing an allergist if over-the-counter medications do not control your symptoms or if allergies interfere with your daily life. An allergist can perform comprehensive testing, identify all your triggers, and create a personalized treatment plan. Allergists also prescribe immunotherapy, which can provide long-term relief. Your primary care doctor can refer you to an allergist in your area.