How Can You Prevent Eye Fatigue
Make some simple changes to:
Your computer screen:
- Place it 20-26 inches away from your eyes and a little below eye level.
- Regularly clean off dust and fingerprints from the surface. Smudges can reduce contrast and create problems like glare and reflections.
- Choose screens that tilt and swivel.
- Use a glare filter for your screen.
Your work environment:
How To Fight Fatigue Related To Allergies
Dr. Chacko Featured on the Cover ofAtlanta’s Top Doctor Magazine
Far too many people deal with constant fatigue today. Unfortunately, individuals dont always know what causes their symptoms. Fatigue often manifests itself during the day after a restless night of sleep. Its a vicious cycle that never seems to end. These days, a number of health conditions can cause fatigue, but few people seem to consider allergies as the culprit. Fighting allergy fatigue requires a comprehensive approach. Finding out the exact allergy that is causing the symptoms is the best long term solution.
What Causes Allergies Anyway
An allergic reaction is a chain reaction that starts in your genes and is expressed by your immune system, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology .
When you have an allergy to something, like pollen or grass, your immune system views it as an invader . It then overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E , which travel to cells that release chemicals called histamines, Dr. Monteleone explains. Cue the stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
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Sudden Allergies To Fruits You Were Fine With Before
Certain fruitslike bananas and melonscontain compounds that are very similar to the pollens in trees or ragweed. So when you eat them, you may get the kind of reaction you get when you spend time in nature, says Hurwitz.
In fact, when youre in allergy season and you have symptoms, even non-allergens can be irritating, too, says Dr. Blair. Perfumes, paint fumes, and even pollution can be harder to withstand when youre already inflamed with allergies.
How Allergies Affect Your Mood And Energy Level
Many studies have shown that people with allergic rhinitis not only suffer from symptoms such as sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes and nose, but from non-nasal symptoms, such as fatigue and depression as well.
Allergic rhinitis can make it harder to concentrate at work or school and affect your energy level and sleeping habits.
Unfortunately, some of these “extra-nasal” symptoms are more difficult to treat than the allergies themselves. Some of the major ones are:
- Fatigue
- Cognitive Effects
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Can You Tell The Difference Between A Food Allergy And A Food Sensitivity
With a food allergy, even one molecule of the offending foods protein can trigger a response. Your body will react as soon as the food is eaten. Thats why people with food allergies need to completely avoid foods they are allergic to.
Food intolerances can depend on how much is eaten and how often. People with food intolerances may not have symptoms when they eat a small portion of the food, or dont eat the food frequently. For example, if you have a sensitivity to dairy, having one small bowl of ice cream may not cause you any problems. However, theres a good chance you would wake up with diarrhea and brain fog after spending a night binging on Ben & Jerrys.
How To Treat Allergy
Step one is getting to the source of whats causing your allergies in the first place. An allergist can help you do just that. He or she can perform allergy testing by skin testing or by blood work to help identify any allergy triggers, says Patricia Takach, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Penn Medicine.
Once you know whats triggering an allergic reaction, do your best to avoid those substances, says David Corry, M.D., professor of medicine in immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine. That means taking steps like staying indoors on high pollen count days and making a few lifestyle changes such as showering when you come indoors, cleaning your sheets regularly, and keeping petswho can carry things like pollen and grassout of your bed. Wearing a face mask when youre outdoors can also help filter out pollen and other allergens that may be irritating.
Its also a good idea to consider taking an allergy medication. This is especially important if you are feeling any breathing symptoms at allcoughing, wheezing, or shortness of breathas this is dangerous if left untreated, says Dr. Takach. An allergist can help determine the right medication for you.
The bottom line: If youre struggling with allergy-related fatigue and you cant seem to get relief on your own, talk to your doctor about your options. They should be able to find the best treatment plan to boost your energy again.
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Allergies Are An Often
Home»Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology»Allergies Are an Often-Overlooked Cause of Fatigue, Body Aches, and Pain
Anyone who suffers from allergies knowns how frustrating they can be to deal with. They can cause all sorts of issues such as constant sneezy, running noses, watering eyes, and itching. What many people dont realize is that allergies can also cause fatigue, body aches, and pain. Not only do people who suffer not realize that allergies are the culprit, but doctors often do not know or diagnose properly.
If you have been dealing with allergies, and have also had body aches, been chronically tired, or had undiagnosed pain, it could all be related. Your first step is to contact Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group at 805-658-9500 for comprehensive allergy testing. Once we know what the specific allergy is, we can provide treatment options. In the meantime, read on to learn about the link between fatigue, body aches, pain, and allergies.
Why Can Allergies Make You Tired
The main reason why your allergies could be making you tired is because they can get worse at night, making it challenging to get a good nights rest. A stuffy nose, pounding headache, and relentless coughing are a recipe for disrupted sleep.
Additionally, the histamines that your cells release in response to an allergen can also exacerbate tiredness because your body is working hard to block a harmful substance. The allergy fatigue you experience is similar to the exhaustion you feel when you have a cold or flu. Falling sick can be draining enough, but when your body works overtime to ward off the viruses and bacteria, it can often leave you feeling worse for wear.
Whats worse is that treating allergies with medication isnt always as easy as popping a pill. Some allergy medications or antihistamines are known for causing side effects, such as drowsiness and lack of energy, which can aggravate daytime fatigue and cause excessive tiredness.
The tiredness that arises as a result of allergies can also cause brain fog. Put simply, brain fog is a fuzzy-headed feeling that can make it difficult to focus on everyday tasks. In fact, research has found that allergy fatigue can have a significant impact on the quality of life and that children with untreated allergies performed worse in school than others.
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When Is Dizziness A Serious Health Concern
Temporary or occasional bouts of dizziness are usually a signal to slow down and wait for the fog to clear. If it persists, or becomes more frequent, seek medical help, advises Dr. Chacko.
But for those who have vertigo, it can be hazardous for themselves and others.
Its not the affliction itself, says Dr. Derebery, but the potential impact. She tells her patients to give up scuba diving permanently, and be cautious when driving, climbing ladders, or any activity that could be dangerous should vertigo occur.
The effect of vertigo is not just the spinning which causes you to lose your balance, she says. Its that your body cannot sense gravity so you can fall suddenly.
She adds that vertigo is a symptom of an inner ear issue. If it persists longer than 24 hours there may be something else going on in the brain that must be addressed.
Brain scans and other assessments can look for medical issues that could be the source of persistent dizziness or vertigo.
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You Develop Gas Bloating Episodes Of Belching Loose Stools And/or Diarrhea After Eating
Although there are many causes for these symptoms, this could be due to gluten sensitivity/celiac disease, food allergies/sensitivities, lactose and/or fructose intolerance, and/or SIBO .
Solution: Keep a food diary, do an elimination diet, and see your health care provider and/or a gastroenterologist to get tested for these disorders. Occasionally a CDSA through a laboratory specializing in nutritional medicine can help identify the cause of GI problems.
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What Am I Allergic To
If you currently don’t have any answers to why you’re feeling so sleepy and sniffly, consider allergy blood testing. You can also think about getting a patch test, which is most effective for detecting allergies to airborne substances such as dust, mold, pet hair, and pollen. Once you know the allergens that are causing you trouble, you can begin to avoid them.
Is It Low Blood Sugar
People with diabetes need to check the amount of sugar in their blood often. You can get dizzy if it drops too low. That also can cause hunger, shakiness, sweating, and confusion. Some people without diabetes also have trouble with low blood sugar, but thats rare.
A quick fix is to eat or drink something with sugar, like juice or a hard candy.
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Your Bedroom Contains Mold Or Dust Mites
If your allergies seem to get worse every night, then the chances are that your bedroom isnt conducive to your health. Dust mites and mold are two common triggers of allergies, and they can both thrive in your bedroom.
While dust mites cling to your mattress, pillows, rugs, and duvets, mold grows in damp environments. Though mold is typically found in bathrooms or kitchens its not uncommon for them to grow in your bedroom, especially if you live in a humid place.
Combating dust mites and mold means taking extra care of your bedroom. Consider investing in hypoallergenic sheets, mattress protectors, and pillows to ward off the dust mites. To ensure mold stays out of your bedroom, one tip is to leave some space between your mattress and the wall. This can aid in better airflow and wont trap moisture.
Aside from that, its also essential to clean your room regularly and improve ventilation with the help of air conditioning or a dehumidifier.
What Is An Allergy Test
An allergist performs tests to pinpoint the cause of your allergic reactions.
There are two kinds of tests:
- Skin tests: The doctor pricks the surface of the skin, usually on the upper arm, and injects a tiny amount of suspected allergens. If an allergy exists, the skin will react by becoming inflamed, red and swollen, which may cause temporary discomfort. Skin tests give fast resultsusually within a half hour or 24 to 48 hours.
- Blood tests: Blood is drawn and sent to a lab. The disadvantage is that it may take several days for the results to come back. However, more allergens can be tested with blood tests than with skin tests, Blood tests are used to identify seasonal allergies as well as perennial allergies, plus allergies to food, medications, and insect bites or stings. If you have chronic skin conditions such as psoriasis or eczema, blood tests are recommended instead of skin tests to prevent further irritation.
Its important to tell your allergist about any medications you are taking because some can compromise your allergy test results.
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Why Seasonal Allergies Cause Brain Fog
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The spring allergy season is upon us. Pollen counts are skyrocketing, sinuses are swelling, and for some of us other symptoms are creeping in as well. If youve experienced a brain fog characterized by dizziness, imbalance and fatigue during allergy season and wondered about the connection between the pollen youre inhaling and the mental murkiness, youre not alone. Science has been working the case, and although we dont have a clear picture just yet, were beginning to understand more about what happens in our brains when pollen is in the wind.
The basics of this story involve allergens and the immune system. If youre among the 30% or so of the population with seasonal allergies, your body responds to allergens as an assault and your immune system reacts by producing histamines, compounds that cause muscle contractions and blood vessel dilation. Later into the reaction, your body releases proteins called cytokines that signal the surrounding tissue to brace against the offenders.
All of this plus the activity of a few more chemicals results in inflammation, which we feel in our sinuses, nasal membranes, throats, eyes and lungs. Some of us are more sensitive to particular allergens , and the severity of reactions varies, from annoying to life threatening.
You can also try avoiding what sets you off , but for most allergy sufferers thats not much of an option.
How Can You Treat Fatigue Caused By Allergies
The good news is there are many ways to get allergy relief so you can get rid of that looming, tired feeling. The first step in finding this relief is getting tested for allergies, so you know whats causing your symptoms. Then you can work together with your doctor to find an allergy treatment thats right for you.
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Allergies Affect People Day And Night
Chances are high that individuals with allergies know they have them. Theyll spend their days sneezing, coughing, and feeling congested. Typically, people realize how allergies affect themselves during the day. Not all sufferers recognize that allergies can worsen the quality of their sleep. The immune system targets allergens, and this frequent immune response disrupts the body in various ways.
Stress And Work Allergies
Many patients complain of increased allergies when thereâs high stress at work, says Gailen Marshall, MD, PhD, director of the division of clinical immunology and allergy at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.
People often think the allergy trigger is a work-related exposure. But Marshall tells WebMD that stress from work deadlines, conflicts with co-workers, and long hours can all increase allergy symptoms.
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What Are The Dangers Of Sleep Deprivation
If your allergy-related fatigue is unresolved, the potential for negative outcomes rise, Dr. Kansagra warns. “Being tired affects all parts of your well-being, including your attention, mood, safety while driving, and many others,” he adds. Over a long period of time, brain function begins to diminish, along with immune function, cardiovascular health, and glucose tolerance.
“If you are sniffling, sneezing, coughing, itching, and draining all day from allergies, that in itself is fatiguing,” Dr. Haden says.
The fatigue carries into the daylight hours when you often need to be focused and productive. This is called “brain fog” which is the inability to concentrate experienced by many allergy sufferers. Routine tasks take more energy to complete because of the mental effort required to overcome fatigue.
“If allergies have gotten severe enough to have a prominent impact on your quality of life, it is time to speak with your doctor,” advises Dr. Kansagra.
What Causes This Fatigue
When you have an allergy to something, whats really happening is that your immune system is creating antibodies to fight an unknown object and releasing histamines while doing so. This causes the allergy symptoms we know all too well sneezing, watery eyes, itchy nose. Its no wonder that most people experiencing allergy symptoms get very poor sleep when all this inflammation causes nasal congestion. Congestion makes it very difficult to breathe, especially when lying down, which can really affect your ability to get a good nights sleep. Waking in the morning you may feel like you didnt sleep at all. This lack of sleep is important to address, which means tackling your allergies head on.
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The Symptoms Of Fatigue In Hayfever
Almost everyone is probably familiar with the grogginess that can accompany a bad night of sleep. When you feel tired, you are generally less aware of your surroundings and most of your energy is focused on keeping yourself awake and upright. This can lead to symptoms such as:
- Poor concentration
- Headaches
- Weakened immune system
Fatigue occurs when these feelings of tiredness become more persistent, affecting you on a daily basis. This can be a cause for concern as continuous fatigue can make you more susceptible to viral infections and usually has a negative impact on your general wellbeing, influencing our psychological and physical welfare.
Underactive Thyroid And Fatigue
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, sluggishness, feeling run-down, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain
The problem may be a slow or underactive thyroid. This is known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy.
According to the American Thyroid Foundation, about 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder by age 60. And most won’t know it. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hashimoto’s stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.
Blood tests known as T3 and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these hormones are low, synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed, and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.
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