Breathing difficulties can be triggered by a range of different stimulants. Some of these are dehydration, a sudden change in temperature from hot to cold, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, sprays, or allergens such as animal dander, pollen, foods, mould or dust. When detoxification occurs via the lungs, it causes the formation of mucus which begins to block the bronchial tubes, resulting in constricted breathing. 
 
In New Zealand, one in four people suffer from allergens, and nearly one in five people need support for healthy lung function. Efficient gas exchange is not only beneficial to people with breathing difficulties, but also to those who need aerobic capacity such as athletes, or muscle energy production in low oxygen conditions. 

The biggest spring allergen trigger is pollen, with tiny grains released into the air by trees, grasses and weeds. The immune system mistakenly sees pollen grains as foreign invaders, and releases antibodies that normally identify and attack bacteria, viruses, and other illness-causing organisms. The antibodies attack the allergens, which leads to the release of chemicals called histamines into the blood. Histamines trigger the runny nose, itchy eyes, and other symptoms of allergies.

What can you do? An allergy skin test will tell you what you react to, and look at food allergies too, as the three substances most reacted to (pollen, wheat and milk) are originally grass products. If you wish to avoid the conventional treatments of corticosteroids, antihistamines, decongestants and vaccinations, ask a natural health professional to explain the alternatives, and find one to suit.