Respiratory Illnesses And Issues / Question
Published: February 25, 2009
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I'm a 16 year old girl, and sometimes I feel breathless. I have many symptoms of allergies, including headaches, coughing, red eyes, and scratchy throat. Could the breathlessness also be a symptom? It seems to get worse when it's cold outside.
Signed: Could My Breathlessness Be A Symptom Of Allergies?
Dear Could My Breathlessness Be A Symptom Of Allergies?,
Allergies are an abnormal response of the immune system, and are very common – they affect at least 2 out of every 10 Americans. People who have allergies have an immune system that reacts to a usually harmless substance in the environment, such as pollen, mold, animal dander, certain foods, or various chemicals.
Allergy symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Mild allergic reactions can include:
- Rash
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Congestion
Moderate allergic reactions can include:
- Rashes and itchiness that spreads to other parts of the body
- Difficulty breathing
Severe allergic reaction (Anaphylaxis) is a rare, life-threatening emergency and can include the following symptoms:
- Sudden itching of the eyes or face
- Varying degrees of swelling that can make breathing and swallowing difficult
- Abdominal pain
- Cramps
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Mental confusion or dizziness
While the symptoms you are experiencing could be a result of allergies, it is also possible they are being caused by something else, such as the common cold, bronchitis, or asthma. That said, it is important for you to meet with your doctor to determine exactly what is causing these symptoms and what you need to do to alleviate these symptoms. If at any point you are having difficult breathing, seek medical care immediately.
If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
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