Wheezing or difficulty breathing
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.
| Author: | Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC | Last Updated: July 11, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine | |
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