Respiratory Allergies Explain
Learn what respiratory allergies are, symptoms, triggers, testing, treatments, and prevention tips. Clear, trusted advice from medical sources.
Written by Dr. Dhankecha Mayank Dineshbhai
Reviewed by Dr. J T Hema Pratima MBBS
Last updated on 8th Dec, 2025
Introduction
Sneezing, stuffy nose, itchy eyes, or a tight chest that shows up with the seasons or around pets? You may be dealing with respiratory allergies. These allergies are very common worldwide and can affect daily life, sleep, school or work performance, and even trigger asthma symptoms. The good news: with the right information and care plan, most people can manage symptoms well and breathe easier. This guide explains what respiratory allergies are, common triggers, how doctors diagnose them, and the most effective treatments and prevention steps based on reputable medical sources.
What are Respiratory Allergies?
Respiratory allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless particles you breathe in - like pollen,
dust mites, or pet dander. Your body produces allergy antibodies (IgE), which set off chemical messengers (such as
histamine) that cause inflammation in the nose, sinuses, throat, and lungs.
Two common conditions fall under respiratory allergies:
- Allergic rhinitis (hay fever): Mainly affects the nose and eyes.
- Allergic asthma: Allergic reactions contribute to asthma symptoms in the lungs.
Allergies can be:
- Seasonal (pollen-related): Symptoms flare in spring, summer, or autumn.
- Perennial (year-round): Often due to indoor triggers like dust mites, pets, or mould.
Common Triggers of Respiratory Allergies
Understanding triggers helps you manage symptoms better. Let’s have a look at some common triggers of respiratory
allergies:
Outdoor Allergens
- Tree pollen (spring), grass pollen (late spring/summer), weed pollen such as ragweed (late summer/autumn)
- Outdoor mould spores, especially in wet or decaying leaves
Indoor Allergens
- Dust mites (tiny organisms living in bedding, upholstery, and carpets
- Pet dander (skin flakes) and saliva/urine proteins from cats, dogs, and other animals
- Indoor mould from damp areas (bathrooms, basements, leaks)
- Cockroach droppings and body parts
Workplace Exposures
- Flour dust (baker’s asthma), latex proteins, wood dust, certain chemicals
- Speak with your clinician if symptoms worsen at work and improve on weekends or holidays
Note: Irritants such as tobacco smoke, wildfire smoke, air pollution, strong odours, and cold air are not allergens, but
they can make allergy and asthma symptoms worse.
Symptoms to Watch For
Recognising symptoms early can help you seek timely treatment. Here are some symptoms you should watch out:
Nasal and Eye Symptoms
- Sneezing
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Itchy nose, throat, or ears
- Itchy, watery, red eyes (allergic conjunctivitis)
Lung Symptoms
- Coughing (often dry)
- Wheezing or whistling sound when breathing
- Chest tightness
- Shortness of breath
Other Possible Issues
- Postnasal drip and sore throat
- Headaches or facial pressure (especially with sinus involvement)
- Trouble sleeping, daytime fatigue, trouble concentrating
- In children: mouth breathing, dark under-eye circles, frequent ear/sinus problems
How Doctors Diagnose Respiratory Allergies?
Here’s how doctors diagnose allergies:
- Medical history: Your clinician will ask when symptoms occur, triggers, your environment, family history, and how
symptoms affect your life. - Physical exam: Looking for signs of allergic rhinitis or asthma.
- Allergy testing:
- Skin prick testing: Small amounts of allergens are placed on the skin to see if a reaction occurs.
- Specific IgE blood tests: Measures allergy antibodies when skin testing isn’t possible.
- Lung testing (if asthma is suspected):
- Spirometry: Measures lung function and response to medication.
Your clinician may also consider other evaluations to rule out conditions such as chronic sinus infections or non-allergic
rhinitis.
Proven Treatments That Work
A combination of strategies often works best. Try these:
Allergen Avoidance and Home Strategies
Practical steps can significantly reduce exposure. Here’s how:
- Pollen:
- Check pollen counts, limit outdoor time on high-count days
- Keep windows closed, use air conditioning
- Shower and change after going outdoors
- Dust mites:
- Allergen-proof bedding covers
- Wash sheets weekly on hot
- Keep indoor humidity 30–50%
- Reduce carpets and heavy drapes
- Pets:
- Keep pets out of your bedroom
- Use a HEPA purifier
- Regular grooming/bathing (seek professional guidance)
- Mould:
- Fix leaks, reduce dampness
- Use exhaust fans
- Clean visible mould properly
- Cockroaches:
- Seal food, clean crumbs, use pest control if needed
- Irritants:
- Avoid smoke and strong odours
Medications for Nasal and Eye Symptoms
Your clinician or pharmacist can guide safe options. Some of them include:
- Intranasal corticosteroid sprays
- Antihistamines: oral or nasal
- Combination nasal sprays
- Saline nasal rinses using sterile/prepared water
- Decongestants: short-term use only for topical sprays
- Eye drops: antihistamine or combination types
Medications for Asthma Triggered by Allergies
If allergies worsen asthma, treatment may include:
- Controller inhalers: inhaled corticosteroids
- Reliever inhalers: short-acting bronchodilators
- Leukotriene receptor antagonists
Ask your clinician for a personalised asthma action plan.
Allergy Immunotherapy (Allergy Shots or Tablets)
Immunotherapy helps retrain your immune system. See how:
- Allergy shots: Given in a clinic over several years
- Sublingual tablets: For some allergens in certain countries
Because immunotherapy can rarely trigger reactions, it must be clinician-supervised.
Living Well With Respiratory Allergies
Here are some simple daily steps can improve comfort and control:
- Track triggers using symptom diaries or apps
- Maintain indoor humidity at 30–50%
- Use HEPA filtration
- Stay active; adjust exercise timing if pollen affects you
- Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations
- Address sleep and mental well-being, as allergies can affect mood and focus
When to See a Clinician and When It’s Urgent?
Know when to seek routine or emergency care. Make an appointment if:
- Symptoms affect daily life or sleep
- OTC treatments don’t help after weeks
- Triggers are unclear
- You have frequent sinus or ear infections
Seek emergency care if you have:
- Severe breathing difficulty
- Bluish lips/face
- Trouble speaking in full sentences
- Chest pain, confusion, or fainting
- Tongue/throat swelling or signs of anaphylaxis
Special Considerations
Different groups may require tailored approaches. Let’s have a look:
Children
- Symptoms can affect school performance and behaviour
- Use paediatric dosing
- Avoid first-generation antihistamines for routine use
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Discuss medication choices with your clinician
- Non-drug strategies are helpful first steps
Older Adults or Those With Other Medical Conditions
- Some medications may interact or worsen existing conditions
- Always check with your clinician or pharmacist
Prevention and Everyday Tips for Respiratory Allergies
Consistency helps with long-term control. Here are some prevention tips:
- Allergy-safe bedroom: allergen-proof covers, weekly hot washing, HEPA purifier
- Cleaning: damp dusting, HEPA vacuum, reduced clutter
- Planning your day: avoid high-pollen mornings, wear sunglasses outdoors
- Travel tips: carry medications and action plans; request pet-free rooms if needed
Conclusion
Respiratory allergies are common but highly manageable with the right approach. By recognising your triggers, using effective treatments, keeping your environment allergy-friendly, and seeking medical care when needed, you can significantly reduce symptoms and improve daily comfort. Whether your symptoms occur seasonally or year-round, combining medical guidance with practical lifestyle steps can help you breathe easier and maintain a better quality of life.
Consult Top Specialists
Consult Top Specialists
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr Rakesh Bilagi
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
10 Years • MBBS MD PULMONOLOGIST
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(150+ Patients)
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. Aakanksha Chawla
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
9 Years • MD (Pulmonary Medicine), IDCCM, IFCCM (Indian Fellowship in Critical Care Medicine)
Delhi
Apollo Hospitals Indraprastha, Delhi
(250+ Patients)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Are respiratory allergies the same as a cold?
No. Colds are caused by viruses and usually last 7–10 days, often with fever, sore throat, and body aches. Allergies are immune reactions to allergens, can last weeks or months, and often include itchy eyes and nose without fever.
Q2: Can respiratory allergies cause asthma?
Allergies don’t “cause” asthma in everyone, but allergic reactions can trigger asthma symptoms in people who are susceptible. Many people have both allergic rhinitis and asthma. Managing allergies can help reduce asthma flare-ups.
Q3: Do air purifiers help with respiratory allergies?
A HEPA air purifier can reduce airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, and some mold spores, especially in a bedroom or living room. For dust mites (mostly found in bedding), use mattress/pillow encasings and hot-water washing in addition to filtration. Replace filters as directed.
Q4: Is allergy immunotherapy a cure?
It’s not a quick cure, but it can change how your immune system responds, leading to fewer symptoms and less medication use. Benefits can persist after completing therapy. It requires commitment and medical supervision.
Q5: Which tests are best to find my triggers?
Skin prick testing and specific IgE blood tests are both widely used and reliable when interpreted by a trained clinician. Your history and environment guide which allergens are tested. Discuss the best approach with an allergy specialist.