Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment for Respiratory Allergies
What causes Respiratory allergies? What are the early signs? Can they pose a severe threat? Are children affected more? What precautions can you take – to find out, read on.
Respiratory Allergies Causes
Cold temperatures and low humidity can dry out the nasal passages, making them more susceptible to irritation and inflammation. This can increase allergy symptoms, such as congestion and a runny nose during winter.
Several factors can contribute to the development of respiratory allergies in the winter. One major factor is indoor allergens, which can accumulate in the home due to the lack of ventilation and increased time spent indoors. Dust mites, mold, and pet dander are common indoor allergens that can trigger asthma with dry cough.
It’s important to be aware of early signs breathing allergies and take steps to minimize exposure to allergens.
Quick Tips to combat indoor allergens
- Use air purifiers with HEPA filters
- Wash bedding frequently
- Keep home dust-free
- Keep windows closed
- Ensure proper indoor ventilation
However, if you are experiencing persistent allergy symptoms, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Children and Allergies: Are they more susceptible?
Children are more susceptible to respiratory allergies than adults due to their developing immune systems. Allergies occur when the immune system mistakes a typically harmless substance, such as pollen or pet dander, for a harmful invader and mounts an immune response against it. Additionally, children are more likely to come into contact with allergens through hand-to-mouth contact, as they tend to touch and explore their environment more than adults do. Environmental factors, such as exposure to tobacco smoke or air pollution, may also contribute to the development of allergies in children.
Early signs breathing allergy
Some people may get asthma with dry cough; some may suffer from shortness of breath, scratchy throat, headaches, and decreased ability to smell or taste. Difficulty sleeping, anxiety, and severe asthma may also appear if diagnosis at an early stage is delayed. The early signs may be hard to distinguish as they mimic influenza and the common cold; however, with close observation of the pattern, a doctor can help identify the specific cause that triggered the allergy in the first place.
What to observe:
- How long do the symptoms last?
- Do they occur during any specific time of the day?
- Are there any special conditions that trigger the symptoms, like food, change in temperature, etc.?
- Has it become a seasonal thing?
Allergic respiratory disease (ARD), also known as allergic rhinitis, can affect anyone of any age. However, it is more common in children and young adults. In addition, people with a family history of allergies are more likely to develop allergic respiratory disease. Other risk factors include living in a city or area with high levels of pollution, exposure to tobacco smoke, and a weak immune system. While it is not a life-threatening condition, it can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and lead to other health problems if left untreated.