Respiratory Allergy: A Practical Introduction

Respiratory allergy describes a hypersensitivity of the airway lining to substances that are otherwise harmless. Symptoms often include sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itching, and cough.

Common environmental triggers

Triggers vary between individuals and often need to be identified over time.

• · House dust
• · Damp and mould
• · Strong smells and smoke
• · Seasonal pollen
• · Pets
• · Cold air

Allergy and nasal blockage

Allergy can contribute to persistent nasal congestion, which in turn may encourage mouth breathing. Where both allergy and airway obstruction are present, addressing them together is often more useful than treating each episode in isolation.