What Causes Respiratory Allergies to Get Worse?

Allergy symptoms can be frustrating and uncomfortable. From sneezing and coughing to itchy eyes and rashes, having allergies can make everyday life a challenge. Temperature changes and pollution can cause allergies to flare up, but there are steps you can take to manage your symptoms and enjoy a better quality of life.

Causes of Respiratory Allergies

Due to climate change, respiratory allergies are becoming increasingly widespread, with millions of people around the globe affected. Understanding the causes of these seasonal allergies and respiratory issues is key for reducing your exposure to allergens.

A rise in pollen levels has been observed around the world due to alterations in climate and land management. This has resulted in a higher prevalence of respiratory allergies, such as asthma and hay fever. As temperatures continue to rise, this trend will likely get worse, so people suffering from respiratory allergies or other related conditions should take extra precautions during peak pollen season.

Precautions for Reducing Exposure to Allergens

To minimize the effects of allergens during peak pollen season, stay indoors as much as you can, groom pets regularly, and use an air purifier. Remaining indoors is a good way to keep allergens from infiltrating the house, and grooming pets regularly will reduce the amount of pet dander in the air. Using an air purifier can further improve the quality of indoor air.

When you do go outside, wearing a hat and sunglasses can help protect against airborne allergens like pollen and dust particles. Avoiding yard work or gardening during pollen season is also recommended to prevent inhaling these irritants. Finally, showering after spending time outdoors can help remove any allergens you may have brought inside on your skin or clothing.

Seek Medical Help for Severe Allergic Reactions

Allergic reactions can vary in severity from mild to life-threatening, with the latter requiring medical attention. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the throat or tongue, hives, chest pain, or confusion after being exposed to allergens, seek medical help immediately.

For mild allergic reactions, you can take antihistamines such as Benadryl or Claritin, but for more severe cases, epinephrine injections may be necessary. Your physician may also prescribe inhaled corticosteroids if you have frequent episodes of asthma due to airborne allergens. For long-term management of allergy symptoms caused by poor indoor air quality, your doctor may recommend immunotherapy (allergy shots).

FAQ

What Causes Allergies To Get Worse?
Exposure to allergens like pollen and pet dander, changes in weather or humidity levels, pollutants in the environment, and dust mites can all contribute to an increase in allergy symptoms. Certain medications may also contribute to allergy symptoms becoming more severe. To mitigate the risk of allergies becoming more severe, limit contact with allergens, avoid certain medications, and use an air purifier to improve indoor air quality.

What Causes Respiratory Allergies?
Respiratory allergies are caused by a variety of airborne allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and pollen. Inhaling these particles can induce an immune response that leads to irritation and other manifestations of the allergy. Allergies can also be set off by irritants in the atmosphere, like smoke or chemical compounds in cleaning products. Limit contact with these substances to lower the likelihood of allergic responses.

Why Are Allergies So Bad Right Now?
Increased air pollution, largely caused by burning fossil fuels, is exacerbating allergy symptoms. Additionally, climate change is causing an increase in temperature that has led to a longer pollen season with more intense symptoms for those who suffer from allergies.

Conclusion

Allergy sufferers can limit their exposure to allergens by controlling the air quality inside, avoiding outdoor air pollution, and investing in an air purifier. With a combination of these strategies, you can significantly improve your respiratory health and decrease the severity and frequency of symptoms caused by allergies. An effective air purifier has been proven to help combat airborne irritants which are known causes of worsening respiratory allergies.