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Top 8 Respiratory Illnesses and Diseases

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Respiratory illness is a common problem in the United States. Some people are genetically more likely to get respiratory conditions, but your work place or environmental exposures can play a big role. One thing is for sure, smoking is the most common cause of respiratory disease. UnityPoint Health pulmonologist, Jim Meyer, DO, UnityPoint Health tells us the top eight respiratory system illnesses and offers advice for avoiding them.

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NCI's Dictionary of Cancer Terms provides easy-to-understand definitions for words and phrases related to cancer and medicine.

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Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place.

With emphysema, air becomes trapped, oxygen levels in the blood decrease ( hypoxemia), and carbon dioxide levels in the blood increase ( hypercapnia). The condition may be complicated by the fact that it often occurs with chronic bronchitis, which causes inflammation and irritation in the airways.

Emphysema affects roughly three million Americans. It is associated with severe disability and decreased life expectancy. Today, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)-which emphysema falls under-is the third leading cause of death in the United States.

Emphysema Symptoms

Emphysema primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other organs and systems, including the heart, muscles, and circulatory system, as the disease progresses.

Depending on the stage of the disease and other factors, the symptoms of emphysema may include:

Emphysema is also characterized by COPD exacerbations. These are periods when symptoms become worse and require hospitalization. Exacerbations may be precipitated by infections or exposure to air pollution, wood smoke, or even perfume.

Complications

Emphysema can lead to exercise intolerance and muscle atrophy. The combination of decreased physical activity and chronic respiratory stress can promote lean muscle loss, especially in the core muscles-a situation that only increases the severity of respiratory symptoms.

People with emphysema are also at an increased risk of developing lung cancer. According to research from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, COPD increases the risk of lung cancer by anywhere from 200% to 500% when compared to smokers without COPD.

If your COPD symptoms are worsening, speak with your healthcare provider about the possibility of lung cancer. Lung cancer is far more curable when diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.

Causes of Emphysema

Smoking is the most common cause of emphysema, thought to be responsible for 85% to 90% of cases. But there are many other things that can act alone or in conjunction with smoking to cause emphysema.

While researchers can't be entirely sure why some people get COPD and others don't, several risk factors have been identified, including:

As many as 5% of people with COPD have a genetic disorder known as alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency. The condition should be suspected when several family members develop emphysema, particularly if none have ever smoked, or diagnosed at a young age, typically considered under age 50.

The diagnosis of emphysema or another type of COPD is explored through a careful review of one's family and medical history and a physical examination. It is then confirmed by pulmonary function tests (PFTs), which gauge how well you breath.

Early diagnosis and proper management and treatment of COPD can offer you a better than average outcome, so it's important to see a provider if you are experiencing any symptoms.

Medical History

Various factors may alert a healthcare provider to a potential diagnosis of COPD. These factors include you feeling short of breath at rest or with exercising and/or experiencing a chronic cough with or without phlegm production.

A history of significant smoking, especially more than 30 to 40 pack-years, or a history of significant exposure to various air pollutants or occupational dust are additional factors that may raise suspicion for a diagnosis of COPD.

Physical Examination

Physical exam findings in emphysema will vary depending on the severity of the disease. While one's physical exam is often normal in the early stages of the disease, over time, the following findings may appear:

Decreased breath sounds

Wheezing and crackles at the lung bases

Distant heart sounds

Use of accessory muscles of respiration and exhaling through pursed lips (in advanced emphysema)

Pulmonary Function Tests

Pulmonary function tests, specifically a test called spirometry, are needed to confirm the diagnosis of COPD.

Spirometry entails taking a very deep breath in and then breathing out as hard as you can into a tube that is connected to a machine. The machine (called a spirometer) measures the amount and speed of air going in and out of your lungs.

Two key measurements obtained from spirometry are forced vital capacity (FVC) and (forced expiratory volume (FEV1).

FVC is the amount of air forcefully breathed out after taking a deep breath in and inhaling as much air as possible.

FEV₁ is the amount of air breathed out during the first second of the FVC test.

Traditionally, an FEV ₁/FVC ratio of less than 70% is used to diagnose COPD. However, some healthcare providers use a different set of critera, especially for diagnosing young adults or adults who do not smoke.

Emphysema Treatment

At the current time, emphysema remains an irreversible disease. Treatment is aimed at slowing the progression and complications related to the disease.

Treatment involves a combination of approaches, and the course of treatment is largely directed by the disease stage:

Mild: Short-acting bronchodilator and an annual flu vaccine

Moderate: Long-acting bronchodilator and pulmonary rehabilitation

Severe: Adding inhaled corticosteroids to treat exacerbations

Very severe: Oxygen therapy and lung surgery if needed

Research in lung regeneration therapy is ongoing and may help develop new treatments for COPD in the future.

Lifestyle Changes

Quitting smoking is critical for individuals living with this condition and can help to slow the progression of the disease. Speak with your healthcare provider about ways to support your effort.

Engaging in regular physical activity is also important, as it is what will help prevent muscle atrophy and resulting disease progression. But there's no doubt that emphysema itself can make exercise difficult.

The best exercises for COPD include a combination of endurance, flexibility, and strength training. Your practitioner can help you determine what regimen is best for you.

Medications Used for Emphysema

There are no drug treatments that have proven successful in slowing the rate of decline of lung function with emphysema. Instead, medications are used to help increase exercise tolerance, reduce COPD exacerbations, and improve overall health status.

Medications used for stable COPD include:﻿﻿

Get Vaccinated

Staying up-to-date with immunizations, especially the flu vaccine and the pneumonia vaccine, helps prevent infections that can worsen your emphysema.﻿﻿

Oxygen Therapy

This can be given continuously, during activity, or for the relief of sudden episodes of shortness of breath. Long-term oxygen therapy of over 15 hours per day is given when a patient has low oxygen saturation levels during advanced (stage IV) COPD.﻿﻿

Pulmonary Rehabilitation

There are many benefits of pulmonary rehabilitation, an interdisciplinary program that should last at least six weeks. Pulmonary therapy can make a big difference for people living with emphysema by improving exercise tolerance, reducing symptoms, improving FVC and FEV1, and decreasing hospitalizations/lengths of stay.

Lung Surgery

Lung volume reduction surgery to remove severely damaged tissue may be useful for some people with severe emphysema, especially for those who have disease predominantly involving the upper lobes.﻿﻿ Bullectomy may be done in patients who have giant bullae. Lung transplant is another consideration.

A Word From Verywell

Emphysema can be a frustrating disease in many ways. Not only do you have to cope with the physical effects of symptoms and treatments, but the impact they can have on your mental wellness and everyday life as well.

Unfortunately, many people with COPD receive inadequate support. If that applies to you, lean on your healthcare team, consider seeing a therapist, and tap into support groups (the American Lung Association is a good place to start). You are not alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can COVID cause emphysema?

COVID does seem to cause emphysema in some people. This may be a result of damage to the blood vessels or damage to the alveoli.

What is the life expectancy of a person with emphysema?

How long you live after your diagnosis depends on many factors. In general, COPD (which includes emphysema) may decrease the length of your life by more than 14 years.

Additional Reading

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Emphysema is a chronic, progressive lung disease caused by damage to the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lung where the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide takes place. With emphysema, air becomes trapped, oxygen levels in the blood decrease ( hypoxemia), and carbon dioxide levels in the blood increase ( hypercapnia).

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Learn what you need to know about pulmonary fibrosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, including information about PF types and risk factors, symptoms and diagnosis

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Overview

What is cystic fibrosis? A Mayo Clinic expert explains

Learn more from pulmonologist Sarah Chalmers, M.D.

Hello. I'm Dr. Sarah Chalmers, a pulmonologist at Mayo Clinic. In this video, we'll cover the basics of cystic fibrosis. What is it? Who gets it? The symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Whether you're looking for answers for yourself or someone you love, we're here to give you the best information available. Cystic fibrosis is a disorder that damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs. It's an inherited disease caused by a defective gene that can be passed from generation to generation. Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, they're thick and sticky. Instead of acting as lubricants, these secretions plug up the tubes, ducts and airways in your body. Although there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, people with this condition are generally able to live normal lives. There are many tools and techniques doctors use to help manage this complicated condition and with improvement in screening and treatments, life expectancy for those with cystic fibrosis is better than ever before.

Simply put, cystic fibrosis is a gene defect. A defect to this gene changes how a salt moves in and out of cells, resulting in thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems. It's an inherited condition. A child needs to inherit one copy of the mutated gene from each parent to develop cystic fibrosis. If they only inherit one copy from one parent, they won't develop it. However, they will be a carrier of that mutated gene, so they could pass it along to their own children in the future. Because CF is an inherited disorder, family history determines your risk. Although it can occur in all races, cystic fibrosis is most common in white people of North European ancestry.

There are two kinds of symptoms associated with cystic fibrosis. The first are respiratory symptoms. Thick, sticky mucus can clog the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. This can trigger a persistent cough that produces thick mucus, wheezing, exercise intolerance, repeated lung infections, and inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose or recurrent sinusitis. The second type of symptoms are digestive. That same thick mucus that can clog your airways can also bog tubes that carry enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine. This can result in foul-smelling or greasy stools, poor weight gain and growth, intestinal blockage, or chronic and severe constipation, which may include frequent straining while trying to pass stool. If you or your child show symptoms of cystic fibrosis or if someone in your family has CF, talk with your doctor about testing for the disease.

Since this disease is an inherited condition, reviewing your family history is important. Genetic testing may be done to see if you carry the mutated gene that triggers cystic fibrosis. A sweat test may also be conducted. CF causes higher than normal levels of salt in your sweat. Doctors will examine the levels of salt in your sweat to confirm a diagnosis.

Because this condition is passed from parent to children, newborn screening is routinely done in every state in the U.S. Early diagnosis of CF means that treatments can begin immediately. Unfortunately, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis, but proper treatment can ease your symptoms, reduce complications, and improve your quality of life. Doctors may decide that certain medications are necessary. These could include antibiotics to treat and prevent lung infections, anti-inflammatories to lessen the swelling in your airways, or mucus-thinning drugs to help expel mucus and improve lung function. Medications can also help improve digestive function. From stool softeners to enzymes, to acid-reducing drugs. Some medications can even target the gene defect that causes cystic fibrosis, aiding the faulty proteins to improve lung function and reduce salt in your sweat. Outside of medications, airway clearance techniques, also called chest physical therapy, can relieve mucus obstruction and help to reduce infection and inflammation in the airways. These techniques loosen the thick mucus in the lungs, making it easier to cough up. In some cases, doctors turn to surgery to help alleviate conditions that can arise from cystic fibrosis. For instance, nasal and sinus surgery to help you breathe, or bowel surgery to help improve digestive function. In life-threatening instances, lung transplant and liver transplant had been performed. Managing cystic fibrosis can be very complex. So consider getting treatment at a center with medical professionals trained in the disorder to evaluate and treat your condition. You can even ask your physician about clinical trials. New treatments, interventions and tests are constantly under development to help prevent, detect, and treat this disease.

Learning you or someone you know has cystic fibrosis can be incredibly challenging. It's okay to feel depressed, anxious, angry, or afraid. In time, you'll find ways to cope, find support and talk to others who are going through it too. Look to your friends and family to help manage stress and reduce anxiety. Seek professional help. Remember, physical conditions come with an emotional and mental burden. And take the time to learn about cystic fibrosis. It's a complicated, severe disorder. So don't hesitate to talk to your medical team about your questions or concerns. With the knowledge and treatment available to doctors today, life with cystic fibrosis is better than ever before. If you'd like to learn even more about cystic fibrosis, watch our other related videos or visit mayoclinic.org. We wish you well.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs in the body.

Cystic fibrosis affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery. But in people with CF, a defective gene causes the secretions to become sticky and thick. Instead of acting as lubricants, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.

Although cystic fibrosis is progressive and requires daily care, people with CF are usually able to attend school and work. They often have a better quality of life than people with CF had in previous decades. Improvements in screening and treatments mean that people with CF now may live into their mid- to late 30s or 40s, and some are living into their 50s.

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Symptoms

In the U.S., because of newborn screening, cystic fibrosis can be diagnosed within the first month of life, before symptoms develop. But people born before newborn screening became available may not be diagnosed until the signs and symptoms of CF show up.

Cystic fibrosis signs and symptoms vary, depending on the severity of the disease. Even in the same person, symptoms may worsen or improve as time passes. Some people may not experience symptoms until their teenage years or adulthood. People who are not diagnosed until adulthood usually have milder disease and are more likely to have atypical symptoms, such as recurring bouts of an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis), infertility and recurring pneumonia.

People with cystic fibrosis have a higher than normal level of salt in their sweat. Parents often can taste the salt when they kiss their children. Most of the other signs and symptoms of CF affect the respiratory system and digestive system.

Respiratory signs and symptoms

The thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis clogs the tubes that carry air in and out of your lungs. This can cause signs and symptoms such as:

A persistent cough that produces thick mucus (sputum)

Wheezing

Exercise intolerance

Repeated lung infections

Inflamed nasal passages or a stuffy nose

Recurrent sinusitis

Digestive signs and symptoms

The thick mucus can also block tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your small intestine. Without these digestive enzymes, your intestines aren't able to completely absorb the nutrients in the food you eat. The result is often:

Foul-smelling, greasy stools

Poor weight gain and growth

Intestinal blockage, particularly in newborns (meconium ileus)

Chronic or severe constipation, which may include frequent straining while trying to pass stool, eventually causing part of the rectum to protrude outside the anus (rectal prolapse)

When to see a doctor

If you or your child has symptoms of cystic fibrosis - or if someone in your family has CF - talk with your doctor about testing for the disease. Consult a physician who is knowledgeable about CF.

Cystic fibrosis requires consistent, regular follow-up with your doctor, at least every three months. Contact you doctor if you experience new or worsening symptoms, such as more mucus than usual or a change in the mucus color, lack of energy, weight loss, or severe constipation.

Seek immediate medical care if you're coughing up blood, have chest pain or difficulty breathing, or have severe stomach pain and distention.

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Causes

In cystic fibrosis, a defect (mutation) in a gene - the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene - changes a protein that regulates the movement of salt in and out of cells. The result is thick, sticky mucus in the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as increased salt in sweat.

Many different defects can occur in the gene. The type of gene mutation is associated with the severity of the condition.

Children need to inherit one copy of the gene from each parent in order to have the disease. If children inherit only one copy, they won't develop cystic fibrosis. However, they will be carriers and could pass the gene to their own children.

Risk factors

Because cystic fibrosis is an inherited disorder, it runs in families, so family history is a risk factor. Although CF occurs in all races, it's most common in white people of Northern European ancestry.

Complications

Complications of cystic fibrosis can affect the respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems, as well as other organs.

Respiratory system complications

Damaged airways (bronchiectasis). Cystic fibrosis is one of the leading causes of bronchiectasis, a chronic lung condition with abnormal widening and scarring of the airways (bronchial tubes). This makes it harder to move air in and out of the lungs and clear mucus from the bronchial tubes.

Chronic infections. Thick mucus in the lungs and sinuses provides an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. People with cystic fibrosis may often have sinus infections, bronchitis or pneumonia. Infection with bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics and difficult to treat is common.

Growths in the nose (nasal polyps). Because the lining inside the nose is inflamed and swollen, it can develop soft, fleshy growths (polyps).

Coughing up blood (hemoptysis). Bronchiectasis can occur next to blood vessels in the lungs. The combination of airway damage and infection can result in coughing up blood. Often this is only a small amount of blood, but it can also be life-threatening.

Pneumothorax. In this condition, air leaks into the space that separates the lungs from the chest wall, and part or all of a lung collapses. This is more common in adults with cystic fibrosis. Pneumothorax can cause sudden chest pain and breathlessness. People often feel a bubbling sensation in the chest.

Respiratory failure. Over time, cystic fibrosis can damage lung tissue so badly that it no longer works. Lung function usually worsens gradually, and it eventually can become life-threatening. Respiratory failure is the most common cause of death.

Acute exacerbations. People with cystic fibrosis may experience worsening of their respiratory symptoms, such as coughing with more mucus and shortness of breath. This is called an acute exacerbation and requires treatment with antibiotics. Sometimes treatment can be provided at home, but hospitalization may be needed. Decreased energy and weight loss also are common during exacerbations.

Digestive system complications

Nutritional deficiencies. Thick mucus can block the tubes that carry digestive enzymes from your pancreas to your intestines. Without these enzymes, your body can't absorb protein, fats or fat-soluble vitamins, so you can't get enough nutrients. This can result in delayed growth, weight loss or inflammation of the pancreas.

Diabetes. The pancreas produces insulin, which your body needs to use sugar. Cystic fibrosis increases the risk of diabetes. About 20% of teenagers and 40% to 50% of adults with CF develop diabetes.

Liver disease. The tube that carries bile from your liver and gallbladder to your small intestine may become blocked and inflamed. This can lead to liver problems, such as jaundice, fatty liver disease and cirrhosis - and sometimes gallstones.

Intestinal obstruction. Intestinal blockage can happen to people with cystic fibrosis at all ages. Intussusception, a condition in which a segment of the intestine slides inside an adjacent section of the intestine like a collapsible telescope, also can occur.

Distal intestinal obstruction syndrome (DIOS). DIOS is partial or complete obstruction where the small intestine meets the large intestine. DIOS requires urgent treatment.

Reproductive system complications

Infertility in men. Almost all men with cystic fibrosis are infertile because the tube that connects the testes and prostate gland (vas deferens) is either blocked with mucus or missing entirely. Certain fertility treatments and surgical procedures sometimes make it possible for men with CF to become biological fathers.

Reduced fertility in women. Although women with cystic fibrosis may be less fertile than other women, it's possible for them to conceive and to have successful pregnancies. Still, pregnancy can worsen the signs and symptoms of CF, so be sure to discuss the possible risks with your doctor.

Other complications

Thinning of the bones (osteoporosis). People with cystic fibrosis are at higher risk of developing a dangerous thinning of bones. They may also experience joint pain, arthritis and muscle pain.

Electrolyte imbalances and dehydration. Because people with cystic fibrosis have saltier sweat, the balance of minerals in their blood may be upset. This makes them prone to dehydration, especially with exercise or in hot weather. Signs and symptoms include increased heart rate, fatigue, weakness and low blood pressure.

Mental health problems. Dealing with a chronic illness that has no cure may cause fear, depression and anxiety.

Prevention

If you or your partner has close relatives with cystic fibrosis, you both may choose to have genetic testing before having children. The test, which is performed in a lab on a sample of blood, can help determine your risk of having a child with CF.

If you're already pregnant and the genetic test shows that your baby may be at risk of cystic fibrosis, your doctor can conduct additional tests on your developing child.

Genetic testing isn't for everyone. Before you decide to be tested, you should talk to a genetic counselor about the psychological impact the test results might carry.

Cystic fibrosis care at Mayo Clinic

Show references

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3. Orkambi (prescribing information). Vertex Pharmaceuticals Inc.; 2018. https://www.orkambi.com/. Accessed July 1, 2019.

4. Chest physiotherapy compared to no chest physiotherapy for cystic fibrosis. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2015; doi:10.1002/14651858.CD001401.pub3.

5. Cystic fibrosis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/cystic-fibrosis. Accessed July 1, 2019.

6. Cystic fibrosis. Genetics Home Reference. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/cystic-fibrosis. Accessed July 1, 2019.

7. AskMayoExpert. Cystic fibrosis. Mayo Clinic; 2017.

8. Bronchiectasis. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bronchiectasis. Accessed July 1, 2019.

9. Rafeeq MM, et al. Cystic fibrosis: Current therapeutic targets and future approaches. Journal of Translational Medicine. 2017; doi:10.1186/s12967-017-1193-9.

10. Cystic fibrosis. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/cystic-fibrosis-cf/cystic-fibrosis. Accessed July 1, 2019.

11. Frequently asked questions: Pregnancy FAQ171: Cystic fibrosis: Prenatal screening and diagnosis. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. https://www.acog.org/Patients/FAQs/Cystic-Fibrosis-Prenatal-Screening-and-Diagnosis?IsMobileSet=false. Accessed July 1, 2019.

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13. Simon RH. Cystic fibrosis: Overview of treatment of lung disease. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed July 1, 2019.

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This inherited condition causes severe damage to the lungs, digestive system and other organs. Learn about improvements in screening and treatments.

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What Is Asthma?

Asthma is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe. This happens because airways in the lungs swell up, fill with mucus, and get smaller. Some people say having asthma feels like breathing through a straw.

If you have asthma, you're not alone. Lots of kids have it - and lots take medicine to help them breathe better. With the right medicine and care plan, asthma won't slow you down.

What Causes Asthma?

No one really knows why kids get asthma. Asthma tends to run in families, though. That means if a kid has asthma, he or she might have a parent, sibling, or other relative who has asthma or had it as a kid.

What Happens in Asthma?

You take thousands of breaths every day. Normally, when you breathe in, air enters your nose or mouth and then goes to the windpipe, also called the trachea (say: TRAY-kee-uh). From there, the air travels into the lungs through breathing tubes. The whole process goes in reverse when you exhale.

With asthma, breathing gets harder because airways narrow, swell, and fill with mucus. This makes it tough for air to pass through.

What's an Asthma Flare-up?

Asthma doesn't make your breathing harder all the time - just sometimes. This happens because the airways get more irritated than normal. When this happens, it's called an asthma " flare-up" or "attack."

You'll know you're having a flare-up if you:

have a whistling sound when breathing (this is called wheezing)

have a tight or painful feeling in the chest

Flare-ups also can make you sweat or feel like your heart is beating faster than normal, even while sitting still.

An asthma flare-up can get worse if a kid doesn't use his or her asthma medicine as directed.

What Causes an Asthma Flare-Up?

Things that can cause you to have an asthma flare-up are called " triggers." Different kids have different triggers. Common triggers include:

breathing in things that cause allergies (called allergens), such as dust, pollen, dander from animals, and mold

breathing in things that irritate your airways, like cigarette smoke, perfume, and chalk dust

infections, like a cold or the flu

exercising

breathing in cold air

How Is Asthma Diagnosed?

If your doctor thinks you have asthma, you'll have to get checked out. One test that helps doctors diagnose asthma is spirometry. A spirometer is a device that measures how well your lungs work. It's as easy as blowing out your birthday candles!

How Is Asthma Treated?

Caring for your asthma means doing two things: avoiding things that cause flare-ups and taking medicines if your doctor prescribes them.

Avoiding Triggers

Once you know what your triggers are, you and your parents can take steps to avoid them. Here are some ideas:

Change your sheets and vacuum often to rid your home of dust.

Keep your pet out of your bedroom if you're allergic to pet dander.

Stay inside on days when pollen counts are high (ask your parents to check the local weather report).

If exercise makes your asthma worse, the doctor may prescribe a medicine to take before exercising to prevent your airways from tightening up.

Taking Medicines

It's not always possible to avoid triggers, so most kids who have asthma also take medicine.

Not every kid's asthma is the same. That's why there are different kinds of medicines for treating it:

One kind is called quick-relief medicine (also called rescue or fast-acting medicine). It works fast to help open a kid's airways so he or she can breathe again.

The other kind is called long-term control medicine (also called controller or maintenance medicine). It's a daily medicine that helps keep flare-ups from happening.

You should take your medicine as directed by your doctor. If you don't, your asthma could get worse and you might even end up in the hospital.

You doctor will create a special plan for dealing with your asthma. This is called an asthma action plan, and should be given to everyone who cares for you, including teachers and camp counselors.

Using an Inhaler

Most asthma medicines need to be breathed in, and an inhaler (say: in-HAY-lur) helps get medicine into the lungs.

One type of inhaler has a plastic tube that holds the asthma medicine. When you press on the tube, a puff of medicine sprays out for you to breathe in.

Using a Spacer

Using an inhaler like this can be tricky, so a spacer helps. It attaches to the inhaler and holds the mist of medicine in one place (between the inhaler and your mouth). A spacer lets you breathe in when you're ready, so it's easier to inhale all the medicine into your lungs.

Another type of inhaler contains powdered medicine inside, which needs to be breathed in quickly and deeply, and doesn't need a spacer.

Using a Nebulizer

A different way to take asthma medicine is by using a machine called a nebulizer. This machine turns liquid medicine into a mist for you to breathe in.

Does Asthma Ever Go Away?

Yup! A lot of kids find their asthma goes away or becomes less serious as they get older. Some doctors think this happens because the airways grow wider as a kid grows up and gets bigger. With more room in the airways, the air has an easier time getting in and out.

Some people do have asthma as adults, but it doesn't have to slow them down. Some top athletes manage their asthma while still competing at professional and Olympic levels.

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Asthma is a health problem that makes it hard to breathe. This happens because airways in the lungs swell up, fill with mucus, and get smaller. Some people say having asthma feels like breathing through a straw. If you have asthma, you're not alone.

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Pneumonia is an infection of the lungs that can cause mild to severe illness in people of all ages. It is the leading cause of death in children younger than 5 years...

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Overview

What is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Several indoor and outdoor allergens cause hay fever. Common causes include dust mites, mold, pet dander and pollen from trees and plants.

Symptoms of hay fever include sneezing, nasal congestion and irritation of the nose, throat, mouth and eyes. Allergic rhinitis is not the same as infectious rhinitis, otherwise known as the common cold. Hay fever is not contagious.

When do people usually get hay fever?

You can have hay fever any time of the year. Seasonal allergies occur in the spring, summer and early fall when trees and weeds bloom and pollen counts are higher. Perennial allergies can happen year-round. They result from irritants that are always around, such as pet dander, cockroaches and dust mites.

How common is allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

Hay fever is very common. In the United States, around 15% to 20% of the population has allergic rhinitis. Millions of children and adults have hay fever every year.

Who might get allergic rhinitis?

Allergies are inherited (passed down through families). You're more likely to have hay fever if you have a parent or family member with allergies. People who have asthma or eczema are more likely to develop hay fever.

Symptoms and Causes

What causes allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

Allergic rhinitis occurs when your body's immune system reacts to an irritant in the air. The irritants (allergens) are so tiny that you can easily inhale them through your nose or mouth.

Allergens are harmless to most people. But if you have hay fever, your immune system thinks the allergen is intruding. The immune system tries to protect your body by releasing natural chemicals into your bloodstream. The main chemical is called histamine. It causes mucous membranes in the nose, eyes and throat to become inflamed and itchy as they work to eject the allergen.

Seasonal and perennial allergies can result from many allergens, including:

Dust mites that live in carpets, drapes, bedding and furniture.

Pollen from trees, grass and weeds.

Pet dander (tiny flakes of dead skin).

Mold spores.

Cockroaches, including their saliva and waste.

Food allergies can also cause inflammation in the nose and throat. If you think you're having an allergic reaction to something you ate, get medical help right away. Food allergies can be life-threatening.

What are the symptoms of allergic rhinitis (hay fever)?

Hay fever symptoms can appear throughout the year. Outdoor allergies are worse in the spring, summer and early fall. In warm weather, weeds and flowers bloom, and pollen counts are higher. Indoor allergies, such as those that result from pet dander and dust mites, can get worse in winter because people spend more time indoors.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

Nasal stuffiness (congestion), sneezing and runny nose.

Itchy nose, throat and eyes.

Headaches, sinus pain and dark circles under the eyes.

Increased mucus in the nose and throat.

Fatigue and malaise (general feeling of discomfort).

Sore throat from mucus dripping down the throat (postnasal drip).

Wheezing, coughing and trouble breathing.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is hay fever diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will examine you, ask about your symptoms and evaluate you for other conditions, such as a cold or asthma. To measure your antibodies to specific allergens, your provider may take a blood sample and send it to a lab for testing. This blood test is called an immunoglobulin E (IgE) test. It can detect all types of allergies, including food allergies.

Your provider may recommend a skin prick test to determine what allergens are causing your symptoms.

What is a skin prick test?

This common test is painless and accurate, though it may be a little uncomfortable. Your provider places a small sample of different allergens on your skin (usually on your forearm or back) and scratches or pricks the skin with a needle. Scratching the skin allows the allergen to get under the surface.

If you're allergic to the allergen, the area will become red, itchy and irritated in 15 to 30 minutes. You may develop raised, hive-like welts called wheals that show an allergic reaction. A skin prick test is a safe, effective way to determine which allergens are causing your symptoms.

Management and Treatment

How is allergic rhinitis (hay fever) treated?

Several allergy medications can improve symptoms and help you live with hay fever. These treatments come in many forms, including liquids, pills, eye drops, nasal sprays and injections. Talk to your provider before taking any medication, especially if you're pregnant or have other health concerns. Your provider may suggest:

Antihistamines: Antihistamine medications are available with a prescription or over the counter. They work by blocking the histamine that your body releases during an allergic response. Antihistamines come as pills, liquids, eye drops, nasal sprays and inhalers. They include:

Loratadine (Claritin®).

Cetirizine (Zyrtec®).

Fexofenadine (Allegra®).

Levocetirizine (Xyzal®).

Antihistamines can cause drowsiness. Avoid alcohol when taking antihistamines, especially if you're going to drive.

Decongestants: These medications relieve congestion in the nose and sinuses. You can take decongestants by mouth (in pill or liquid form) or use a nasal spray. They include:

Afrin® nasal spray.

Phenylephrine nasal spray (Neo-Synephrine®).

Pseudoephedrine (Sudafed®).

Decongestants can increase blood pressure and cause headaches, trouble sleeping and irritability. Nasal decongestants can be addictive if used longer than five days. Be sure to talk to your provider before taking them.

Corticosteroid nasal sprays: These sprays and inhalers reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms of hay fever. The most common nasal sprays are Flonase®, Nasacort® and Rhinocort®. Side effects include headaches, nasal irritation, nosebleeds and cough.

Leukotriene inhibitors: During an allergic reaction, the body releases leukotriene, histamines and other chemicals that cause inflammation and hay fever symptoms. Available only with a prescription, these pills block leukotriene. The most common leukotriene inhibitor is montelukast (Singulair®). Some people experience changes in mood, vivid dreams, involuntary muscle movements and skin rash when taking this medication.

Immunotherapy: This treatment works by helping your body learn to tolerate allergens. Your provider gives you a series of injections (allergy shots) with a small amount of the allergen. Every time you get a shot, your provider increases the amount of the allergen. Over time, your immune system develops immunity to the allergen and stops launching a reaction to it.

Your provider might recommend immunotherapy in the form of a pill that you place under your tongue.

Prevention

Can I prevent hay fever?

There is no way to prevent hay fever, but lifestyle changes can help you live with allergies. You can relieve hay fever symptoms by avoiding irritants as much as possible. To reduce symptoms, you should:

Avoid touching your face and rubbing your eyes or nose.

Close windows in your home and car during the spring, summer and early fall when pollen counts are higher.

Enclose pillows, mattresses and box springs in dust mite covers.

Keep pets off couches and beds, and close doors to bedrooms you don't want them to enter.

Use filters in your vacuum cleaner and air conditioner to reduce the amount of allergens in the air.

Wash your hands often, especially after playing with pets.

Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen when you're outside. Change your clothes as soon as you come indoors.

Outlook / Prognosis

What is the outlook for people who have hay fever?

Hay fever can make you feel miserable, but it doesn't cause serious health problems. Most people with hay fever manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and over-the-counter medication.

People with airborne allergies have a higher risk of ear infections and sinus infections. Because hay fever can make it tough to get a good night's sleep, you may feel tired during the day. If you have asthma, hay fever can make your asthma symptoms worse.

Living With

When should I see my healthcare provider about hay fever?

Although hay fever doesn't cause any serious health problems, you should see your provider to rule out other conditions, such as asthma. Seek care if hay fever symptoms are getting in the way of your daily life or making it hard for you to sleep. Your provider can help you identify the allergens that are causing a reaction and recommend treatments to help you feel better.
A note from Cleveland Clinic
Hay fever symptoms can affect your quality of life and keep you from doing the activities you love, but effective treatments are available. Millions of adults and children manage hay fever with medications and lifestyle changes. Talk to your provider about steps you can take to relieve symptoms, breathe easier and feel better.

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Allergic Rhinitis (Hay Fever): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Allergic rhinitis (hay fever) is an allergic reaction to tiny particles in the air called allergens. When you breathe in allergens through your nose or mouth, your body reacts by releasing a natural chemical called histamine. Several indoor and outdoor allergens cause hay fever.

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respiratory syncytial virus infection (rsv)