What Are Respiratory Allergies?

Respiratory allergies are an overreaction by your immune system to inhaled substances that are typically harmless, such as pollen, dust mites, mold spores, or pet dander. Specifically, the allergens that cause respiratory allergies include pollen from trees, grasses, and weeds, dust mites in household dust, mold spores in damp or humid areas, pet dander from cats, dogs, and other animals, cockroach droppings in urban environments, and air pollutants like smoke and chemicals. 

When it comes to common symptoms of respiratory allergies, you may experience frequent sneezing, a runny or stuffy nose, itchy or watery eyes, persistent coughing, postnasal drip, an itchy throat or nose, or shortness of breath, especially in individuals with asthma.

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

Learn more about how these air purifiers stand out for combatting allergies in our full review.

Causes for Worsening Respiratory Allergies

There are various factors that can lead to your allergies flare ups or worsening symptoms. From environmental, lifestyle, health, and more, let’s take a look at some common reasons why you may be sneezing and itching constantly:

1. Seasonal Changes and Climate Change

Seasonal changes, particularly during spring and fall, play a major role in exacerbating respiratory allergies. During these periods, plants release large amounts of pollen into the air as part of their reproductive cycle. Tree pollen is most prevalent in the spring, while grasses and weeds, such as ragweed, dominate in the late summer and fall. These pollen grains are lightweight and can travel long distances through the air, making it difficult to avoid exposure. For individuals allergic to pollen, these seasons bring heightened symptoms such as sneezing, itchy and watery eyes, nasal congestion, and coughing.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges, climate change further intensifies this issue by extending growing seasons and increasing the overall pollen production of plants. Specifically, warmer temperatures and higher carbon dioxide levels encourage more robust plant growth and prolonged pollen release periods, leading to longer and more intense allergy seasons. Consequently, 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.

2. Indoor Allergen Exposure

Indoor environments can also significantly contribute to respiratory allergies, often due to the accumulation of allergens like dust mites, pet dander, and mold which recall are common triggers. Dust mites thrive in warm, humid environments and are commonly found in bedding, upholstered furniture, and carpets. Their droppings and body fragments can become airborne, triggering allergic reactions. Pet dander too, composed of tiny skin flakes shed by cats, dogs, and other animals, is common indoors. 

Mold is a particular concern. It tends to thrive in damp, humid environments and can grow on various indoor surfaces, including walls, ceilings, and bathrooms. Mold spores are released into the air and can trigger respiratory allergies when inhaled. Moreover, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, indoor air quality can also be affected by activities such as cooking, cleaning, and smoking, which release particles and chemicals that can irritate the respiratory system and worsen your allergy symptoms. 

3. Lifestyle and Health Factors 

Other factors including smoking, either active or secondhand, poor diet and nutrition, and lack of cleanliness leading to allergen buildup can also contribute to worsen allergies. Note that health conditions like respiratory infections, coexisting asthma, and a weakened immune system can make allergic reactions more severe and harder to control.

Moreover, when it comes to medication and treatment-related factors, incorrect medication use, delayed treatment, and non-adherence to prescribed plans, can lead to poor symptom management. Other contributing factors include high stress levels, hormonal changes during pregnancy, menstruation, or menopause, and occupational exposure to allergens or irritants.

Reducing Exposure to Allergens and Managing Symptoms

The best solution for managing your allergies is reducing your exposure to outdoor allergens. For instance, during peak pollen season, try to stay indoors as much as you can, monitor daily pollen forecasts, and limit outdoor activities, particularly in the morning when pollen tends to peak and on windy days. Moreover, keeping windows closed and using air conditioning in your home and car can prevent pollen from entering. Additionally, showering and changing clothes after being outdoors helps remove pollen that may have settled on your skin and clothing.

Regarding the inside of your home, using air purifiers is an excellent strategy for reducing those airborne allergens and respiratory triggers. Particularly those with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters are beneficial as they can capture allergens including pollen, dust mites, pet dander, mold spores, and even some bacteria and viruses, helping to ease your respiratory allergies daily while improving the air quality. Moreover, when it comes to your pets who may be dragging pollen inside with them, be sure to bathe and groom them regularly as well as vacuum frequently to eliminate pet dander and any other allergens. As suggested by the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, you can also use allergen-proof covers on mattresses, pillows, and box springs, and wash bedding in hot water weekly to manage dust mites. In general, regular cleaning habits can be extremely beneficial.

Lastly, you can also make some easy lifestyle adjustments to help manage your allergies: 

• Maintaining a healthy diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids supports the immune system and may reduce inflammation
• Regular exercise strengthens the respiratory system
• Wear a hat and sunglasses when you go outside to help protect against airborne allergens
• Avoiding yard work or gardening during pollen season to prevent inhaling these irritants
• Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises to avoid exacerbating symptoms. 

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 says the Allergy and Asthma Network. 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), as they can gradually desensitize the immune system to specific allergens.

Be sure to maintain regular medical consultations, including allergy testing and follow-up care, in order to identify your specific allergens and get tailored avoidance strategies or treatments.

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 indoor 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 for instance, 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.