Can allergies cause shortness of breath? The answer is “yes”: an environmental allergy can affect your airway in two distinct ways, potentially resulting in shortness of breath. Allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, affects your nose and sinuses. It can lead to sneezing, congestion, an itchy nose, and itchy eyes.

What to do when allergies make it hard to breathe?

Oral or nasal allergy drugs such as antihistamines and decongestants may make it easier to breathe. Inhaled steroids can help. These drugs reduce inflammation in your airways. Allergy shots lower your sensitivity to allergens and may ease some breathing problems.

How do I know if it's my allergies or Covid?

4) Patients with allergies do not develop a fever. Often people with COVID-19 do. 5) Patients with allergies may also have asthma, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. COVID-19 typically does not cause wheezing.