Definition
Respiratory allergies are reactions triggered by allergens that come into contact with the body through the breathed air, causing disturbances mainly in the respiratory system. We distinguish seasonal allergic forms, which appear only at certain times of the year, and chronic forms, caused by perennial allergens with which we can come into contact on a daily basis. Seasonal respiratory allergies are triggered above all by the inhalation of pollens and occur exclusively in those times of the year in which the plants bloom (mainly responsible for grasses, urticaceae, composite and birch trees; each of these has its own flowering period). Chronic respiratory allergies, on the other hand, have no fixed periodicity and can be triggered by house dust mites, molds, animal hair (eg dogs and cats) and chemicals. It should not be overlooked that even food and some drugs may be responsible for the emergence of respiratory allergies.
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Anosmia
- asphyxiation
- Asthenia
- Burning eyes
- Conjunctivitis
- Depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Dyspnoea
- Mood disorders
- Chest pain
- Pain in the sternum
- Eosinophilia
- Fotofobia
- Dry throat
- Eyelid swelling
- Hyperventilation
- Tearing
- Headache
- Closed nose
- Eyes reddened
- Otorrhoea
- Itching of the nose
- Throat itch
- Cold
- Wheezing breath
- rhinorrhoea
- Snoring
- Nasal dryness
- Sneezing
- Squeal
- Cough
- thrombocytosis
Further indications
From the point of view of symptoms, pollinosis and chronic allergies are no different. Both, in fact, occur mainly with rhinitis or asthma. Allergic rhinitis, also called hay fever, is an inflammatory reaction of the upper respiratory tract (especially at the level of the mucous membrane of the nose) and of the eyes, due to the inhalation of allergens. It manifests itself with some characteristic symptoms: sneezing, stuffy and runny nose with very liquid secretions, itchy throat and nose. The conjunctiva is also often involved in the inflammatory process; a picture of eye irritation is then determined, which increases the discomfort caused by rhinitis. Characteristic eye symptoms are: redness and swelling of the eyes, burning, itching, watery eyes and light discomfort. Asthma, on the other hand, is an allergic-based disease basically characterized by an obstruction of the respiratory tract. It manifests itself in sudden or gradual episodes, in which the inhalation of the allergen causes thickening of the bronchi and the contraction of their musculature. This makes the passage of air more difficult, causing respiratory crises, wheezing, a sense of chest tightness and coughing.
In the case of respiratory allergies, headaches, ear discomfort, fatigue, concentration difficulties, a feeling of general malaise, anxiety and depression may also appear.
In the face of signs and symptoms that suspect the presence of a respiratory allergy, it is necessary to identify the responsible allergens. The commonly used test is the Prick test, which consists in reproducing to a reduced extent the allergic reaction on the patient's skin. Upon completion, blood tests can be performed (Prist and Rast) that search for the total serum IgE and specific title for the suspected antigen.
The treatment of respiratory allergies involves, first of all, avoiding exposure to allergens. Then, oral or local antihistamines or corticosteroids (nasal sprays, eye drops etc.) can be prescribed. In addition to symptomatic therapy, the doctor may indicate a desensitizing treatment using allergenic immunotherapy.
