Common Respiratory Allergy Symptoms and Causes

Respiratory Symptoms

Many things can cause shallow breathing, like a common cold or even an intense workout. But feeling a shortness of breath—like you can’t get enough air into your lungs—or tightness in your chest, with no obvious cause, can be alarming.

The same immune system reaction that causes other allergy symptoms —like nasal congestion or inflammation, and a runny nose—can also affect the lungs and airways, which can lead to respiratory symptoms. Allergies and asthma share a connection: Up to 90% of children and 60% of adults with asthma have underlying allergies that trigger their asthma.^1,2

Common respiratory allergy symptoms:

Breathing through the mouth
Chest tightness
Shallow breathing

Coughing
Wheezing

Respiratory issues can also stem from irritants like:

Air pollution
Chemical fumes

Cigarette smoke
Strong odors, including scented lotions and perfumes

Common Causes of Respiratory Allergy Symptoms

A variety of health issues can cause your respiratory issues and discomfort, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), emphysema, chronic bronchitis, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, asthma and stress.

Allergies are also a common cause of respiratory issues, like allergic asthma.

Some common allergens that could cause respiratory symptoms include: