Respiratory Allergies - 8 Specific Symptoms and Causes

What are respiratory allergies? We must have all asked this question sometimes. We are all effected in one way or another, whether it is summer or we are cleaning our basements. These type of allergic reactions are those that affect the organs and the airways that help us to breathe. In this article, I will be sharing with you some specific symptoms and causes of this sensitive condition.

The thing with people with allergies is that they are overly sensitive to certain things that most people don't have a problem with. This would include pollen from plants, mold, dust, cockroaches and food.

When a person that is sensitive comes in contact with what causes them to be sensitive, the allergen, the immune system releases a large amount of a chemical called histamine. A large amount of this histamine causes tissue swelling or inflammation or the tightening of muscles.

Symptoms:

Some people are allergic to different things. One person may be allergic to pollen, somebody else may be sensitive to something else.

1) Itchiness
2) Watery or red eyes
3) Coughing
4) Sneezing
5) Stuffiness in the nose
6) Shortness of breath
7) Wheezing
8) Airways that are constricted and swollen (in extreme cases - called anaphylactic shock)

Common Allergies That Affect The Respiratory System:

1) Hay Fever - This affects many people all over the world. Hay fever usually happens in the summer from pollen such as from the grass or even flowers.

2) Food and Drug Allergies - You can get this situations from eating such things such as fish and shellfish. You will usually develop an upset stomach or even a skin reaction and breathing problems. Medications can also cause some problems. Sometimes, you may develop a reaction if you eat peanuts, milk or eggs.

3) Insect Allergies - Insects such as cockroaches is another major cause of problems. This usually takes place in cities. It also affects children in big urban cities. Bees stings for example can be very dangerous to overly sensitive people.

4) Allergic Asthma - Asthma is a fast growing disease all over the country. This problem is a major cause of hospital admission for children each year.

Causes Of Respiratory Allergies:

1) Family history
2) Exposure to air pollution
3) Exposed to some workplace substances
4) Second hand smoke
5) Some health conditions - If you had infections when you were a child growing up

Treatment:

The best way to avoid an attack is to prevent the allergen. Not always easy to do at times. You could place pets in another room where you are not in all the times. You should also make sure to regularly clean your home, so that you do not have a build up of dust. Also, make sure you do not spend a lot of time being in damp areas. This will definitely expose you to mold. If the problem gets worse, make sure to see your doctor or pharmacist.