This article describes the symptoms and causes of breathing allergies.
It also explains how these respiratory allergies are diagnosed and treated.
Symptoms of hay fever include:
How Common Is Hay Fever?
Illustration by Theresa Chiechi for Verywell Health
Hay fever can be seasonal or year-round, depending on the cause.
In 2021, hay fever affected 26% of all U.S. adults and 19% of children.
Symptoms of allergic asthma include:
Unmanaged allergic asthma can be life-threatening.
Common Causes
Scientists dont fully understand why people develop respiratory allergies.
However, they believe that genetics and environmental factors play a role in their development.
With a respiratory allergy, an allergen causes your symptoms.
Like hay fever, some allergens are present seasonally, while others are present year-round.
Allergens that may trigger respiratory allergies include:
Environmental allergens most commonly cause allergic rhinitis.
These include things liketree pollen, grass, ragweed pollen, mold, dust, and pet dander.
In addition, they will likely perform allergy tests to determine what youre allergic to.
In some cases, you may be referred to anallergy specialist.
That way, you’ve got the option to avoid them and prevent future allergy attacks.
In addition to allergy testing,asthma testingincludes:
Respiratory allergies are typically lifelong.
Asthma Tests for Children
Children under age 5 arent usually given breathing tests.
If the inhaler relieves their symptoms, they likely have asthma.
How Common Is Allergic Asthma?
Asthma triggered by allergens is the most common key in of asthma.
Treatment
The primarytreatment for respiratory allergiesis to avoid allergens that trigger your symptoms.
If youre unsure what your allergens are, allergy testing is valuable to establish what you oughta avoid.
Often, people find that they must also manage their allergy symptoms and work to avoid allergens.
These might include:
Its important to have a conversation with your healthcare provider before trying any complementary therapies.
They can better assess if the throw in of treatment is right for you.
An allergy test can help you identify and avoid the allergens that lead to your allergic reactions.
This can help you to prevent allergy symptoms.
Although theres no cure for respiratory allergies, treatment is available to help control symptoms.
Treatment options include immunotherapy, antihistamines, nasal sprays, and more.
Certain complementary therapies can also help to control symptoms.
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Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.Asthma diagnosis.
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology.Environmental allergy avoidance.
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hay fever.
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.What are the best treatments for allergies?
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