Respiratory allergies in Barranquilla, Colombia

What are respiratory allergies?

They are overreactions of the immune system to normally harmless inhaled substances, such as dust mites, pet hair or dander, pollen, mold or cockroaches. The main ones are allergic rhinitis and allergic asthma, which often occur together.

What symptoms do they cause?

Bursts of sneezing, nasal congestion and itching, red watery eyes, dry cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. Symptoms usually appear on exposure to the allergen or worsen in certain seasons or settings, such as cleaning or waking up.

How are they diagnosed?

With a clinical history and skin or blood allergy tests that identify the triggers. If there are asthma symptoms, spirometry is added. Knowing the exact allergen allows more effective measures.

How are they treated?

By reducing exposure, for example with dust-mite covers, washing bedding in hot water, controlling humidity and keeping carpets and stuffed toys out of the bedroom; with medications such as antihistamines, nasal steroids and asthma inhalers; and in selected cases with immunotherapy, known as allergy shots, which reduces sensitivity long term.

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