Respiratory Irritation

Respiratory Irritation Overview

Spring is almost the most alluring time for many of us, with a mild temperature, flowers blooming, and more outdoor activities. Family and friends organize picnics and outdoor grills to enjoy the weather change after months of staying indoors during the frosts. Unfortunately, people with seasonal allergies would not be that excited. The change in season, especially during spring, summers, and fall, brings about some common allergies caused by the pollen grains in the air from various trees, plants, and weeds.

Seasonal allergies affect the nose, throat, sinuses and sometimes the lungs. Pollen can trigger coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, especially in people who have asthma or COPD, whose symptoms can worsen during allergy season. Here’s how seasonal allergies can irritate the airways.

Causes of Respiratory Irritation due to Seasonal Allergies

Some people start getting respiratory irritation when they catch a cold. For some, it may be caused by infections like sinusitis, which can make it hard to breathe through your nose for some weeks until you recover from inflammation and your sinuses begin to drain.

Others have long-term conditions such as asthma, chronic sinusitis or COPD that make the airways more sensitive. The nose is the main entry point for air, and pollen, dust, dander and viruses breathed in can irritate the airways.

In people with allergic asthma, pollen and other allergens are common asthma triggers, and uncontrolled allergies can make asthma worse (FDA). About one in four U.S. adults has a diagnosed seasonal allergy (CDC), and about 8.4% of people in the U.S. had current asthma in 2023 (CDC). The two often occur together.

People with emphysema or chronic bronchitis (forms of COPD) may also notice more breathing symptoms when pollen counts are high.

Symptoms of Respiratory Irritation

The common symptoms that would cause respiratory irritation in children or adults may include:

• Nasal congestion
• Runny nose
• Watery or itchy eyes.
• Chest congestion
• Coughing
• Wheezing
• Trouble in breathing
• Shortness of breath
• Tightness of chest

Symptoms can range from mild to severe. Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, blue or gray lips, or trouble speaking.

Tips to Avoid Respiratory Irritation

If someone already suffers from COPD or other respiratory problems, they may get triggered due to seasonal allergies. The best way is to avoid exposure to potential allergens that you may know could aggravate your symptoms. You should be familiar with your triggers and take steps to prevent severe conditions. Here are tips for dealing with seasonal allergies:

• Beware of the pollen count: Some allergy bureau sites provide reports on pollen and mold amounts for your area on specific seasons. You can plan your day accordingly, trying to stay indoors on heavier count days.
• Stay indoors: When you know your allergens, it is a good idea to stay inside at their highest count outdoors.
• Treat your symptoms by getting professional help: talk to your physician or allergist on ways you can prevent the symptoms from occurring in the first place. There are different medications available to help in the prevention of various allergies.  
• Purify your environment: A good filtration system can help you purify your indoor air from pollens and various allergy triggers like dust, dander or fur, etc. You can get it installed in your air conditioner while keeping windows and doors closed.

Treatment for Respiratory Irritations Due to Seasonal Allergies

There are various over the counter and prescribed medications that are recommended during a respiratory attack. The treatment depends on the severity of the symptoms. These treatments include:

• Bronchodilators: quick-relief inhalers relax the airway muscles during wheezing or an asthma flare. Tell your doctor if you need one twice a week or more (MedlinePlus).
• Steroids: inhaled steroids reduce airway inflammation in asthma, and nasal steroid sprays are among the most effective treatments for nasal allergy symptoms (MedlinePlus).
• Antibiotics: only for bacterial infections, such as some COPD flare-ups; they don’t treat allergies.
• Oxygen therapy: for people with advanced lung disease and low blood oxygen, as prescribed by a doctor.
• Antihistamines: taken by mouth or as a nasal spray, they relieve sneezing, itching and runny nose but help less with congestion (ACAAI).
• Decongestants: shrink swollen nasal tissue to ease a stuffy nose. Don’t use decongestant nasal sprays for more than 3 days (MedlinePlus).
• Nebulizer: a machine that turns liquid medicine into a mist breathed through a mouthpiece or mask, often used for asthma or COPD.
• Immunotherapy: if medicines and avoidance aren’t enough, allergy shots or tablets can reduce sensitivity to specific allergens over 3 to 5 years and may give lasting relief (Mayo Clinic).

Conclusion

Many people wait weeks or months before seeking help for breathing symptoms. A proper diagnosis matters because allergies, asthma, infections and COPD are treated differently, and the right treatment for you may not be what worked for a friend or family member.

See a doctor if you have ongoing coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath. Learn more about inhalers and allergies vs. asthma.

---

Written by: Madiha Ather Hashmi (November 23, 2020)

This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your symptoms and before starting, stopping, or combining any medicine.

Respiratory Allergy FAQs

Can seasonal allergies cause wheezing?

Yes, especially in people with allergic asthma (FDA).

Can allergies cause a cough?

Yes. Postnasal drip often causes coughing during allergy season.

Do antibiotics help allergies?

No. Antibiotics only treat bacterial infections.

When should I worry about breathing symptoms?

Call 911 for severe trouble breathing, blue lips or trouble speaking; see a doctor for ongoing wheezing.

Sources