Seasonal allergies are the bane of many people’s existence during the spring. The weather typically looks and feels beautiful during this time of year, but the tint of yellow in the air can pulverize many of our immune systems.

Not only does pollen affect the nose and sinuses, but it can affect the lungs, too! Shortness of breath is not uncommon when dealing with seasonal allergies, and our team at AFC Urgent Care Easley explains why below.

Why Am I Experiencing Shortness of Breath?

For those who deal with severe allergies, shortness of breath is not an uncommon symptom. When airborne allergens—such as pollen, pet dander and mold—try to enter the body, your body produces histamines as protection, which cause inflammation. For those who deal with respiratory and chest issues, the inflammation can affect your airwaves and/or lungs, thus causing shortness of breath.

If this year is the first year you are experiencing any sort of allergy symptoms, we’ve listed some additional common symptoms below.

Common Allergy Symptoms

• Runny/stuffy nose
• Shortness of breath
• Watery eyes
• Lots of throat congestion
• Sneezing
• Coughing
• Itchy nose and eyes

Is There Anything I Can Do to Breathe Better?

Definitely! First, shortness of breath is nothing to mess around with, so if you’re experiencing this symptom, it’s important to visit our AFC center to get the necessary treatment.

In addition to medical care, there are things you can do at home to help your lungs and respiratory system! We’ve listed a few easy tactics that can help provide some relief from shortness of breath related to allergies.

At-Home Shortness of Breath Remedies

• Reduce your exposure to allergens. This includes things like staying inside on dry, windy days, getting someone else to mow your lawn and wearing a mask outdoors when doing chores in the yard.
• Monitor the daily pollen count. The more pollen in the air, the more likely your chest tightness and other allergy symptoms will affect you.
• Take deep belly breaths. Diaphragmatic breathing, as it’s also called, helps your body relax, destress and fills up your airwaves with oxygen.
• Sit forward. Leaning forward allows your body to take longer, deeper breaths than if you were standing or sitting hunched over.
• Use an air purifier. Running one of these in your home cleans the air and rids it of potential lingering allergens contributing to your shortness of breath.

Feeling short of breath and need relief? Don’t hesitate to visit our AFC Urgent Care Easley center today!