Many people may feel as though they are having difficulty breathing
when they have problems with their allergies. A runny, stuffy nose may make
breathing through the nose harder. This is not a true breathing problem. When
an allergy causes a breathing problem, often the person has a hard time moving
air in and out of the lungs.
True difficulty breathing can develop in one of two ways:
- The throat can swell (angioedema) in
a severe allergic reaction, restricting the passage of air into the
lungs.
- The airways can spasm or contract, causing wheezing, most
often from an
allergic asthma condition.
Reactions can range from mild to severe. Symptoms can develop slowly
or all at once. When difficulty breathing comes on suddenly, it is more likely
to be serious. Prompt treatment can prevent serious complications.
