13 May A change of floor with allergies: often underestimated – with possible consequences for the airways

Posted at 11:22h in Allergy, ENT, ENT practice by Goethe10 practice clinic

Many people grow accustomed to their allergy symptoms. A runny nose, sneezing, or itching eventually become just part of the routine. As long as everything is „as usual,“ there's rarely a feeling that action is needed. But that's precisely where the risk lies. If allergic symptoms persist over a longer period and are not adequately treated, the reaction can spread further within the body. The airways are then no longer just affected in the nasal passages and sinuses. In this context, experts speak of a so-called "floor change". The symptoms affect deeper areas such as the bronchi – with noticeable consequences for breathing. Anyone who is aware of this development can react early and significantly reduce the risk.

Bei einer Allergie reagiert das Immunsystem übermässig auf eigentlich harmlose Substanzen, sogenannte Allergene. Diese können durch Einatmen, Verschlucken oder Hautkontakt in den Körper gelangen. Wenn ein Allergen in den Körper eindringt, erkennt das Immunsystem es als Bedrohung und produziert Antikörper, sogenannte Immunglobulin E (IgE). Diese IgE-Antikörper binden sich an bestimmte Zellen im Körper, wie beispielsweise Mastzellen und Basophile. Bei erneutem Kontakt mit demselben Allergen binden die Allergene an die IgE-Antikörper, die bereits auf den Zellen sitzen. Dies führt zur Freisetzung von Chemikalien, wie Histamin, aus den Mastzellen und Basophilen. Diese freigesetzten Chemikalien verursachen die typischen Symptome einer allergischen Reaktion. Je nachdem, wo im Körper die Reaktion stattfindet, können die Symptome ganz unterschiedlich aussehen: * Haut: Juckreiz, Rötung, Quaddeln, Ekzeme. * Atemwege: Niesen, laufende Nase, verstopfte Nase, Husten, Atemnot, pfeifende Atemgeräusche. * Augen: Juckende, tränende, rote Augen. * Verdauungstrakt: Bauchschmerzen, Übelkeit, Erbrechen, Durchfall. * Kreislauf: Bei schweren Reaktionen (Anaphylaxie) kann es zu einem Blutdruckabfall, Kreislaufversagen und Bewusstlosigkeit kommen. Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass bei einer Allergie eine fehlgeleitete Immunreaktion stattfindet, bei der der Körper auf eigentlich harmlose Stoffe mit einer Entzündungsreaktion reagiert, die durch die Freisetzung von Botenstoffen wie Histamin ausgelöst wird.

The immune system normally differentiates very precisely between harmful and harmless influences. In the case of an allergy, this classification becomes unbalanced. Substances like pollen, house dust mites, or animal hair then act as so-called allergens. They trigger a defence reaction, even though they are actually harmless to the body.

Upon first contact with such an allergen, the body forms special antibodies (immunoglobulin E). These antibodies bind to specific defence cells, which are primarily located in the mucous membranes of the airways and eyes.

If the body re-encounters the allergen later, these cells react immediately. They release messenger substances like histamine. This causes blood vessels to widen, mucous membranes to swell, and increased secretion to occur. Typical symptoms such as sneezing, a Runny nose, Itching or watery eyes occur.

What does a floor change mean for an allergy?

A change of floor is spoken of when allergic symptoms spread from the upper airways to the deeper areas. Initially, the symptoms mainly affect the nose and eyes. In the further course, the bronchi can also be involved.

This not only changes where the complaints manifest, but also their nature. In addition to typical allergy symptoms, coughs, breathing difficulties, or a feeling of tightness in the chest are becoming increasingly common.

Not every allergy develops in this direction. However, certain factors increase the risk of the symptoms spreading:

Prolonged allergen contact

Anyone who regularly comes into contact with triggers such as pollen or house dust over a longer period of time keeps the inflammatory response permanently active.

Inadequate or irregular treatment

If complaints are ignored or therapy is not consistently applied, the reaction in the body can continue to develop.

Individual assessment

A genetic predisposition or a particularly sensitive immune system favour the progression.

Additional stimulI

Factors such as cigarette smoke or air pollution can additionally strain the airways and intensify the development.

An "allergic shift" particularly often occurs in allergic respiratory diseases, such as pollen allergies.Hay fever) or a dust mite allergy.

This development rarely affects other forms of allergies, such as food allergies or contact allergies, as other organ systems are primarily involved in these cases.

Changing floors with allergies: what signs should you take seriously?

Especially with existing allergies, it's worth looking more closely at seemingly unrelated symptoms.

Above all, pay attention to the following instructions:

Persistent cough

The cough occurs independently of a cold or lasts an unusually long time.

Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath

Breathing feels more difficult than usual, even with light exertion.

Tightness in the chest

A feeling of pressure or tightness can indicate lower airway involvement.

Wheezing or rattling breathing sounds

These often occur when exhaling and indicate irritated bronchi.

Change in previous allergy symptoms

The complaints are becoming more intense, last longer, or occur outside the usual allergy seasons.

Many of these signs are initially attributed to other causes and therefore not associated with the existing allergy.

What consequences can changing floors have?

When the complaints spread from the upper to the lower airways, the nature of the illness changes significantly. The symptoms then no longer occur only intermittently, but can become independent.

These changes are increasingly impacting daily life. Physical exertion is becoming more difficult. Even simple activities can become tiring more quickly.

A central consequence is the development of allergic asthma. The airways are hypersensitive and repeatedly constrict. This reduces the amount of air entering the lungs, which can lead to shortness of breath, coughing fits, and wheezing. In severe cases, strong asthma attacks occur, which can become very distressing and uncomfortable.

The bronchi can also become inflamed more easily. Bronchitis then occurs more frequently, which can also persist for longer with continuous irritation.

How can a change of floor be prevented with an allergy?

An allergic disease cannot always be avoided, but its course can often be influenced.

A key step is in the accurate Diagnose, because: Only when it is known which allergens trigger the reaction can the treatment be tailored accordingly. This helps to prevent the allergy from spreading further into the lower airways.

In our ENT clinic in Frankfurt we offer various options for a careful Allergy diagnostics to.

Building on this, therapy plays a central role:

Drug treatment

Antihistamines or cortisone-containing nasal sprays can reduce inflammation of the mucous membranes, thereby preventing irritation from spreading to the bronchi, for example.

Hyposensitisation

The Specific immunotherapy acts at the cause and can weaken the immune system's reaction in the long term. This significantly reduces the risk of the complaints spreading.

Adapt everyday life

Depending on the trigger, it helps to reduce contact with allergens and relieve the airways.

Regular medical check-ups at our ENT practice clinic in Frankfurt also help to keep an eye on the progression of the condition and to adjust treatment if necessary. This significantly reduces the risk of the symptoms spreading.

When you should seek medical advice

Not every change requires immediate treatment. However, there are situations where you should have complaints medically investigated.

These include, in particular:

New symptoms that go beyond known allergy complaints

These include persistent cough or breathing difficulties.

Increasing intensity of complaints

If the symptoms become more severe or last longer than before, medical clarification is also advisable.

Everyday limitations

If physical exertion feels more strenuous or breathing is noticeably impaired, you should get yourself checked out.

Insufficient effect of the previous treatment

If medication is no longer working as usual or symptoms persist despite its use, medical clarification should be sought.

Early assessment helps to actively influence the course of events.

Preventing a change of floors: Diagnosis and treatment of allergies in Frankfurt

Many sufferers get used to their ailments and accept them as „normal“ over time. However, this is precisely where the risk lies, as gradual developments often go unnoticed.

A conscious approach to one's own symptoms and early clarification help to actively influence the course and prevent possible follow-up steps in good time.

We at the HNO-Praxisklinik Goethe10 are experts in allergy diagnostics and treatment for Frankfurt and the surrounding area. Feel free to book an Date with us!

Do you have any questions on this topic or would you like to arrange a consultation?

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Our news articles are prepared for you to the best of our knowledge and belief and are intended for general education. They are in no way a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis and treatment and are not intended to encourage self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Please always contact your ENT specialist in Frankfurt directly if you have any health complaints!