Understanding and Managing Respiratory Irritation

A health condition characterized by the inflammation or discomfort of the respiratory tract, often caused by pollutants or allergens.
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Air Quality | Health | Allergies | Respiratory Health | Causes Of Respiratory Irritation | Treatment For Respiratory Issues
Prepared by Lee Cheng, reviewed by Dr. Helena Rodriguez

Respiratory Irritation FAQ


Image credit: verywellhealth.com

What is a lung irritant?

They can be present in everyday substances found indoors and outdoors. Lung irritants are particles in the environment that can make breathing worse and trigger symptoms such as coughing and wheezing. It is particularly important for people with chronic lung conditions to avoid lung irritants because they can exacerbate symptoms.

What are irritants & how do they affect the lungs?

The air in many workplaces contains hazardous chemical or biological agents in the form of dusts, fumes, mists, gases and vapours. When inhaled, many of them (known as irritants) can cause harm to the lungs or other parts of the airways, leading to a range of different inhalation disorders.

What is inflammatory gas inhalation injury?

Irritant gas inhalation injury is the result of inhalation of gases which, when inhaled, dissolve in the water of the respiratory tract mucosa and cause an inflammatory response.

Can airborne irritants cause irritative symptoms?

Potentially hazardous substances can be inhaled as gases, fumes, vapors, mists, aerosols, and smoke. Airborne toxicants can injure the respiratory tract (local effects) and can also cause systemic injury. Most irritant gases are soluble in water and cause the abrupt onset of irritative symptoms at the mucosal surfaces they contact.

What is an upper respiratory tract infection?

Upper respiratory tract infections can be defined as self-limited irritation and swelling of the upper airways with associated cough and no signs of pneumonia, in a patient with no other condition that would account for their symptoms, or with no history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

What are the different types of respiratory tract infections?

There are several different types. They're usually grouped into upper and lower RTIs. Flu can be an upper or lower RTI. Lower RTIs tend to last longer and can be more serious. Find out more about the different types of lower and upper respiratory tract infections (RTIs) (airway infections), how the infections spread and when you should see a GP.

What is acute respiratory infection?

Acute respiratory infection is an infection that may interfere with normal breathing. It can affect just your upper respiratory system, which starts at your sinuses and ends at your vocal chords, or just your lower respiratory system, which starts at your vocal chords and ends at your lungs.

Respiratory Irritation References

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