Inhalation allergy: medication & treatment options
When your nose is constantly running, your eyes are watering, and breathing becomes difficult, an inhalation allergy may be the cause. Whether it's pollen, house dust mites, or animal dander—the triggers are everywhere. But what can you do when allergy symptoms start interfering with daily life? Various medications can help relieve symptoms and calm the immune system. But which treatments are available, and how do they work? Here you’ll find an overview of your options.
Table of Contents
- What are inhalation allergies?
- How do I know if I have an inhalation allergy?
- What medications are available for inhalation allergies?
- What side effects can medications for inhalation allergies have?
- Home remedies for inhalation allergies: tips and tricks
- Summary
What are inhalation allergies?
Inhalation allergies involve airborne substances that are inhaled. There are both year-round (perennial) and seasonal allergens (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Examples of inhalation allergens include:
- House dust mites (found in mattresses, pillows, carpets)
- Grass and tree pollen (especially birch, alder, hazel)
- Animals (cats, dogs, horses, rodents)
- Mold spores
In many allergic reactions, the immune system produces the antibody immunoglobulin E (IgE) upon first contact with an allergen. IgE binds to basophils in the blood and mast cells in tissues. IgE plays a key role in the immune system, contributing to parasite defense and immune responses. This first exposure sensitizes the body to the allergen without causing symptoms right away. When the sensitized person is exposed to the allergen again, the IgE-coated basophils and mast cells release chemical messengers such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes. These substances cause inflammation and tissue swelling, leading to the typical allergy symptoms (MSD Manual, 2024).
How do I know if I have an inhalation allergy?
Common symptoms of inhalation allergies include:
- Runny nose
- Nasal congestion
- Itchy nose
- Sneezing
- Itchy eyes
- Watery eyes
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022
Would you like to test yourself for an inhalation allergy? With the Homed-IQ Inhalation Allergy Test, you can easily check your allergic reactions to various airborne allergens at home. The test covers 30 allergens, including animals, house dust mites, grasses and pollens, tree pollens, weed pollens, and more.
What medications are available for inhalation allergies?
Various medications in different forms of application are available to treat inhalation allergies. These can be categorized as follows:
| Form of Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Oral application | Tablets, capsules, or liquid solutions taken by mouth to relieve allergic symptoms. |
| Inhalative application | Inhaled medications, often as sprays or powders, used to treat asthma or allergic rhinitis. |
| Nasal application | Nasal sprays applied directly into the nose to relieve symptoms like congestion or a runny nose. |
| Ocular application | Eye drops used to treat allergic conjunctivitis and relieve itching and redness. |
| Injections | Injections, mostly subcutaneous, used to treat severe allergic reactions or chronic allergic conditions. |
Source: Drechsel, D., 2022; Allergy Information Service, 2019
Various medications are available to treat inhalation allergies. Some of the most common are listed and described below:
- Antihistamines block the effects of histamine and relieve symptoms such as a runny nose, itching, and watery eyes. They are available as tablets, nasal sprays, eye drops, or creams.
- Mast cell stabilizers prevent the release of histamine and other inflammatory substances. They are used when antihistamines are not sufficient and are available as inhalants, nasal sprays, or eye drops.
- Corticosteroids have anti-inflammatory effects and are used in cases of severe allergic symptoms. They are available as nasal sprays, inhalers, or in severe cases as oral therapy. Long-term use should be avoided.
- Allergen immunotherapy (desensitization) trains the body to tolerate the allergen and can reduce symptoms in the long term. It is administered via subcutaneous injections or sublingual tablets and is mainly used for pollen, dust mite, and insect venom allergies.
- In the case of severe allergic reactions, emergency treatment is necessary. Adrenaline is administered using a pre-filled syringe (e.g., EpiPen) to stop anaphylaxis. Patients should be medically monitored after administration.
Source: MSD Manual, 2024
Which treatment is right for me?
The choice of suitable medication and method of application depends on the type and severity of the allergic reaction as well as the individual needs of the patient. Consult your trusted physician to determine the most appropriate treatment and dosage for you.
What side effects can medications for inhalation allergies have?
Medications used to treat inhalation allergies may cause different side effects depending on the active ingredient and the form of application:
- Fatigue and drowsiness: Especially first-generation H1 antihistamines can cause daytime fatigue and difficulty concentrating. These have been further developed into second-generation H1 antihistamines, which cause fewer side effects such as drowsiness.
- Anticholinergic effects: These may include dry mouth, urinary retention, and constipation.
- Cardiovascular effects: Some antihistamines can prolong the QT interval on the ECG, which may lead to an increased heart rate or cardiac arrhythmias.
- Increased appetite, possibly leading to weight gain
- Gastrointestinal complaints, such as stomach/abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- Joint and muscle pain, muscle cramps
- Headaches, dizziness
Sources: Strehlau, A., 2024; BfArM, 2013
The selection of appropriate medication should be made individually in consultation with a physician to minimize side effects and achieve the best possible relief of allergy symptoms.
Home remedies for inhalation allergies: tips and tricks
Do you suffer from an inhalation allergy yourself, or does someone in your family, circle of friends, or acquaintances have one? Then this checklist might be helpful:
- Air quality: High-quality air purifiers with HEPA and activated carbon filters remove up to 99.97% of particles, allergens, and pollutants. Especially useful in bedrooms and living rooms.
- Ventilation: Air out rooms in the morning or after rain, as pollen levels are lowest then. Pollen screens on windows help reduce allergen exposure.
- Textiles: Wash bed linens weekly at 60 °C to kill house dust mites. Use mite-proof covers for mattresses and pillows. Avoid drying laundry outdoors to prevent pollen buildup.
- Laundry drying: Do not dry freshly washed laundry outside, as pollen may settle on it. Use a dryer or dry clothes indoors instead.
- Floors and surfaces: Avoid carpets, upholstered furniture, and heavy curtains as they trap dust and allergens. Opt for smooth floors and clean regularly with a HEPA vacuum cleaner.
- Preventing mold: Maintain indoor humidity between 40% and 50%. Ventilate moist rooms well after showering or cooking. Detect and remove mold growth early.
- Pets: Prefer allergy-friendly breeds. Brush pets regularly (ideally outdoors) and bathe them as needed. Limit access to living areas, especially bedrooms.
- Cleaning products: Use fragrance-free, mild cleaning products to avoid irritating the mucous membranes. Consider natural alternatives such as vinegar or baking soda.
- Houseplants: Choose plants that do not release allergens (e.g., papyrus, spider plant, aloe). Avoid ficus species and ferns, as they can trigger allergies or promote mold growth.
Sources: Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 2015; Kent Hospital, 2024; Yale Health, n.d.; Mayo Clinic, 2024
Summary
Inhalation allergies are caused by airborne allergens such as pollen, house dust mites, or animal dander. The immune system reacts hypersensitively, leading to symptoms such as a runny or blocked nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Various medications are available for treatment: antihistamines relieve symptoms by blocking histamine, while mast cell stabilizers prevent its release. Corticosteroids have an anti-inflammatory effect and are used in more severe cases. Allergen immunotherapy can help long-term by gradually training the immune system to tolerate the allergen. In emergencies, an adrenaline injection is necessary. In addition to medications, preventive measures such as air filters, regular ventilation, and special textiles can help reduce allergen exposure.
