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VERIFIED CONTENTAuthor: Krzysztof Bialazite

Respiratory allergy is typically associated with a runny nose, sneezing and tearing. Meanwhile, the symptoms of respiratory allergy can be much more varied. Atypical symptoms of respiratory allergy often lead to diagnostic mistakes. The non-specific course of respiratory allergy most often affects young children. Many symptoms of respiratory allergy can be associated with completely different diseases. What is the course of respiratory allergy? When can a respiratory allergy hide under the mask of other diseases, and what are the most common unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy?

Respiratory allergy - characters

Sensitization to inhaled allergens, i.e. respiratory allergy, can take many forms. The two most common diseases caused by respiratory allergy are allergic rhinitis and bronchial asthma. Common symptoms of these conditions are runny nose, stuffy nose and frequent sneezing in allergic rhinitis, or paroxysmal shortness of breath and wheezing in bronchial asthma.

A patient reporting such symptoms is usually quickly diagnosed for respiratory allergy. It is also worth remembering that the severity of respiratory allergy symptoms does not have to be constant. Respiratory allergy may be year-round (allergic to house dust mites, animal hair) or seasonal (mainly pollen).

The severity of respiratory allergy symptoms may also fluctuate throughout the day. For example, typical times for asthma attacks are at night and immediately after waking. Unfortunately, respiratory allergy is not always normal. Different symptoms of respiratory allergy may cause diagnostic mistakes and inappropriate choice of treatment. Here is a list of the unusual symptoms that may be a sign of respiratory allergy.

Unusual respiratory allergy symptoms - pruritus

Itching is one of the symptoms of allergic diseases. When itching occurs along with a runny nose or sneezing, it is usually not difficult to diagnose. However, it is worth knowing that in some patients itching is one of the earliest symptoms of allergy. The itching sensation may not be accompanied by any other symptoms at first.

Interestingly, itching from respiratory allergies can locate in different places. Apart fromrelatively frequent itching of the nose, in respiratory allergy the inside of the mouth, tongue, throat and even ears may itch. The itching sensation is due to the increase in histamine levels, which is released in large amounts during an allergic reaction.

Histamine is a substance that causes small blood vessels to widen, making us feel itchy. The more severe the allergic reaction, the greater the itching. In the case of severe, generalized allergic reactions, patients often complain of itching of the skin all over the body.

Unusual respiratory allergy symptoms - shortness of breath

Dyspnoea is an important symptom of respiratory allergy, most often in the course of bronchial asthma. Dyspnoea is a very subjective symptom and can therefore lead to a lot of confusion. Typical shortness of breath in an asthma attack is described as difficulty breathing, mainly involving the exhalation phase.

Due to the bronchospasm in the lungs, the so-called "Air trap" - the patient is able to draw air, but it is difficult for him to exhale. Unfortunately, allergic dyspnea can take many different forms: chest wrinkling or tightness, dry cough, wheezing, and perceptible swelling in the airways. Patients who experience shortness of breath are often very concerned.

Dyspnea in children can have a completely unusual course; often the only visible change is the child's different behavior (irritability, aggression, agitation). In adults, allergic dyspnoea should always be differentiated from other conditions (mainly heart and lung diseases).

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - skin changes

Skin changes are not a typical symptom of respiratory allergy. They are much more common in allergic skin diseases (atopic dermatitis, contact eczema). However, it is worth knowing that some non-specific skin changes may be caused by an allergy to inhalation allergens.

Symptoms of urticaria (light blisters on a red surface) or an itchy rash may indicate an allergic reaction. The main reasons for the allergic basis of skin lesions are the presence of itching, resolving without scarring and a good response to antiallergic treatment (antihistamines, glucocorticosteroids).

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - loss of smell

Acute infections of the upper respiratory tract are the most common causes of transient olfactory disorders. Anosmia, or loss of smell, can also be a complication of a long-term, untreated respiratory allergy. Loss of smell is most common in chronic allergic rhinitis.usually associated with sinusitis and polyps.

An allergic reaction in the nasal mucosa causes inflammation and swelling, which may result in a loss of smell. Fortunately, there is rarely a complete permanent loss of smell in respiratory allergy. Lack of smell is usually temporary and will resolve with appropriate treatment.

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - sleep disorders

Respiratory allergy is a factor that significantly increases the risk of sleep disorders. Difficulties with falling asleep, insomnia, snoring and a feeling of lack of sleep are common problems of patients with respiratory allergies. Sleep disturbances can be caused by various symptoms of allergy: nasal obstruction, nocturnal coughing and shortness of breath, and itchy skin.

Lack of proper rest at night translates into difficulties in functioning in everyday life. Insomnia also increases the risk of mood disorders and can lead to depression. In the treatment of sleep disorders related to respiratory allergies, the most important factors are proper sleep hygiene, avoiding contact with allergens in the bedroom (adequate ventilation, hypoallergenic bedding) and proper treatment of allergy causes.

Unusual respiratory allergy symptoms - conjunctivitis

Allergy is the most common cause of conjunctivitis in adults. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by airborne allergens, the same ones that trigger respiratory allergy. Conjunctivitis is often associated with allergic rhinitis.

It is therefore worth remembering that red and itchy conjunctiva is much more likely to indicate an allergy than a bacterial or viral infection. Allergic conjunctivitis may be seasonal. In the treatment of allergy-induced conjunctivitis, oral antiallergic medications are important as well as the appropriate eye drops.

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - learning difficulties

Does respiratory allergy cause learning difficulties? It turns out that it is - allergy significantly affects the daily functioning of children. Respiratory allergy can be responsible for problems concentrating. One of the most common causes of this phenomenon is the deterioration of sleep quality, which significantly affects the ability to focus in school.

When looking for the causes of educational problems in allergic patients, first check whether the night rest is not disturbed by a stuffy nose, snoring or periodic awakening. It is also worth remembering that some antiallergy medications may make you feel sleepy. Currently, howevermainly new generation drugs are used, which are devoid of this side effect.

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - hearing impairment

The relationship between respiratory allergy and hearing impairment results from the anatomical connection between the upper throat and the middle ear. This connection is called the Eustachian tube. Respiratory allergy causes swelling of the nasopharyngeal mucosa and chronic discharge of secretions down the back of the throat.

Under these conditions, the eustachian tube may become blocked and the ventilation of the ears may be impaired. There may be discharge in the middle ear - this leads to the so-called exudative otitis media. The fluid in the tympanic cavity hinders the conduction of sound stimuli and hearing loss occurs. This condition also increases the risk of bacterial and viral infections inside the ear. When looking for the causes of a child's hearing problems, allergies should always be considered.

Unusual respiratory allergy symptoms - fever

A fever, i.e. an increase in body temperature above 38 degrees C, is a typical symptom of stimulating the immune system. Bacterial or viral infections are the most common causes of fever. An increase in body temperature is not a typical symptom of allergies.

Increased temperature, however, may accompany exacerbations of allergic diseases or severe, generalized allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). It is also worth remembering that allergic and infectious diseases can coexist. Typical symptoms of allergy in combination with fever may indicate a simultaneous infection.

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - headaches

Respiratory allergy may manifest itself as recurring headaches. The association of allergies with headache most often results from the concomitant inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. An allergic reaction causes swelling of the sinus lining and increased mucus secretion, which significantly reduces the patency of the entire sinus system.

The resulting inflammation of the paranasal sinuses often causes headaches. When the frontal sinuses are involved, the headache is located near the forehead, maxillary sinuses - in front of the face and around the teeth, ethmoid sinuses - near the eye sockets, and the sphenoid sinus - near the top of the head. Allergy-related headaches may also result from comorbid sleep disorders and sleep apnea syndrome.

Unusual symptoms of respiratory allergy - nasal polyps

Nasal polyps are protrusions of the mucosa present inside the nasal cavity and the paranasal sinuses. There are various reasons for the formation of polyps, but the most common contributing factor is chronic inflammation of the paranasal sinuses. There is respiratory allergyone of the most common causes of this condition. Polyps can block sinus openings and contribute to worsening inflammation.

Patients with nasal polyps are usually referred to an ENT specialist who should rule out the allergic background of the lesions. Nasal glucocorticosteroids are usually effective in treating nasal polyps caused by respiratory allergies. If the treatment fails, nasal polyps can be treated surgically. The mainstay of treatment of nasal polyps is to control the inflammatory process, otherwise the changes will recur.

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Allergies