Bronchitis Symptoms With Allergies

Bronchitis symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and difficulty breathing associated with allergies are the result of allergy-induced asthma 3. Allergy induced asthma is the most common type of asthma in the United States, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 1. Allergy-induced asthma is asthma that is triggered by certain allergens that cause an immune system reaction. Allergy-induced asthma causes the release of histamine in the body, resulting in inflammation and swelling in the airways. Some of the most common allergens that cause bronchitis symptoms with allergies are pet dander, mold, pollen and dust, according to National Jewish Health 2.

Wheezing

Wheezing is the sound made by restricted breathing, according to MedlinePlus 4. Wheezing is a common result of inflamed airways. Wheezing can come on suddenly, go away on its own, get worse in the morning and at night, get worse when engaging in physical activity and may improve with the sue of bronchodilators. Wheezing is commonly harmless but could be a sign of the airways becoming severely swollen. In rare cases this can lead to lack of oxygen and result in a life-threatening situation. Talk to a doctor if someone experiences severe wheezing.

Shortness of Breath

MayoClinic.com explains that the inflammation in the airways causes shortness of breath. Someone experiencing bronchitis symptoms with allergies may have difficulty taking a deep breath. This is typically treated with a corticosteroid inhaler, which works quickly to reduce swelling in the lungs. If someone turns blue in color while having difficulty breathing, call 911 for immediate medical attention.

Coughing

It is very common to experience a persistent cough during an allergy-induced asthma attack. Coughing can be dry or accompanied by mucus. A constant cough may be treated with over-the-counter cough suppressants, under a doctor’s supervision. If related to allergies, the cough may also be the result of postnasal drip, a condition where phlegm drips down the back of the throat from the sinus cavity.

Other Allergy Symptoms

Bronchitis symptoms with allergies will be accompanied by other allergy symptoms, such as sneezing, watery eyes or nasal congestion, according to MayoClinic.com 3. If the only symptoms are bronchitis symptoms, the person may have viral or bacterial bronchitis. Only a doctor can properly diagnose the condition. Taking oral antihistamines will help reduce allergy symptoms but will not alleviate bronchitis symptoms cased by allergies. The most common drug used to treat both allergy-induced asthma and other allergies is corticosteroid in the form of an oral pill, inhaler or nasal spray 3.