Respiratory Allergies: Causes, tests, & treatment options

Ever feel like you’re constantly sneezing, rubbing your itchy eyes, or dealing with a stuffy nose every time the seasons change—or when you’re just hanging out with your pet? You might be dealing with a respiratory allergy. Respiratory allergies are super common and can seriously mess with your day-to-day life. They affect your breathing, energy levels, and overall comfort. Whether you deal with symptoms once in a while or year-round, it’s important to know what’s behind those annoying sneezes and what you can do to feel better. Now, let’s examine respiratory allergies, their causes, how they manifest, and, most importantly, how to treat them.

What is a respiratory allergy?

A respiratory allergy happens when your immune system overreacts to something you breathe in—like pollen, dust, or mold spores. Your body sees these harmless substances as threats and fights back, which causes those irritating symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and watery eyes. Unlike infections like the flu or a cold, respiratory allergies aren’t caused by viruses or bacteria. They’re a result of your immune system being a bit overprotective.

There are a few main types of respiratory allergies:

• Allergic rhinitis (a.k.a. hay fever): This is the most common form, causing sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes.
• Allergic asthma: This form of asthma is triggered by allergens, leading to coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.

Common symptoms of respiratory allergies

Respiratory allergy symptoms can feel a lot like a cold, but they tend to last longer and come back again and again.

Here are some of the most common signs:

• Sneezing
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Itchy nose, eyes, or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Persistent cough
• Wheezing or shortness of breath (especially if you have allergic asthma)
• Fatigue from disrupted sleep
  

Some people only experience these symptoms during certain seasons—these are known as seasonal respiratory allergies. Others might deal with them year-round due to triggers like dust mites or pet dander, which are considered chronic respiratory allergies.

What causes respiratory allergies?

Respiratory allergies are usually triggered by things floating around in the air. These can be environmental or seasonal, and they vary depending on where you live and what you’re exposed to. Common triggers include:

• Pollen (from trees, grasses, and weeds)
• Dust mites
• Mold spores
• Pet dander
• Air pollution or smoke
• Chemical fumes at work or in certain environments
  

Your genes and the climate where you live also play a role. If your parents have allergies, there’s a higher chance you might develop them too.

Types of respiratory allergies

Respiratory allergies can take on a few different forms depending on what triggers them and how often symptoms show up. Here are the main types:

• Seasonal allergic rhinitis: This happens during specific times of the year, especially spring and fall, when pollen levels are high.
• Perennial allergic rhinitis: Caused by year-round allergens like dust mites, mold, and pet dander.
• Allergic asthma: A type of asthma triggered by allergens such as pollen, mold, or pet dander.
• Occupational respiratory allergies: Caused by exposure to allergens or irritants in the workplace, such as chemicals, dust, or fumes.

How are respiratory allergies diagnosed?

If you suspect you have respiratory allergies, your first step should be to track your symptoms and see a healthcare provider.

Here’s how doctors typically diagnose respiratory allergies:

• Medical history: They’ll ask about your symptoms when they happen, and what seems to make them worse.
• Physical exam: Your provider will check your nose, throat, ears, and lungs.
• Allergy testing: This may include skin prick tests, when tiny amounts of allergens are placed on your skin to see if you react, or blood tests, which can measure antibodies linked to allergic responses.
  

Urgent care clinics may start the process and then refer you to an allergy specialist for more detailed testing.

Treatment options for respiratory allergies

Managing respiratory allergies involves two things: avoiding the triggers that set off your symptoms and treating those symptoms when they occur.

Here are some standard treatment options:

• Antihistamines: Help with sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes.
• Nasal corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation in your nasal passages.
• Decongestants (short-term use): Help with stuffy nose.
• Leukotriene receptor antagonists (like montelukast): Reduce allergy symptoms and help with asthma.
• Inhalers: Used for managing allergic asthma symptoms.
• Immunotherapy: Also known as allergy shots or sublingual (beneath the tongue) tablets. This treatment gradually helps your body build resistance to allergens.
  

You can also try some at-home strategies, like:

• Using HEPA filters in your home
• Keeping windows closed during high-pollen seasons
• Showering and changing clothes after being outdoors
• Regularly washing bedding in hot water

When to see a healthcare provider

Sometimes, over-the-counter meds just don’t cut it. Here’s when it’s a good idea to get professional help:

• Your symptoms last more than two weeks
• You’re having trouble breathing or feel tightness in your chest
• Your allergies are affecting your sleep or your ability to function during the day
• You’re not sure what’s triggering your symptoms
  

An urgent care clinic or allergy specialist can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment plan.

Find allergy relief at a clinic near you

Tired of sneezing through your days or struggling to breathe clearly? You don’t have to live with respiratory allergies forever. Whether you’re dealing with seasonal sniffles or year-round issues, talking to a healthcare provider is a smart first step. Solv can help you find urgent care clinics or allergy specialists near you—many with same-day or next-day appointments. Relief could be just a few clicks away.