Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Anxiety And Depression

Ways To Reduce Allergens And Improve Mental Health

Determine and eliminate allergens: The first step of realizing you are allergic to something is making a note of it. If every time you wear fleece you get a rash and feel itchy, then it probably means youre allergic and shouldnt be wearing that fabric. If you discover you have a food allergy, then you need to be careful not to consume food that contains peanuts, shellfish, or whichever specific food gives you symptoms.

Mitigate the allergen: If youve identified an allergy but cant completely eliminate it there are still ways to mitigate the allergen and reduce symptoms. If youre allergic to dust or dust mites, cleaning with a microfiber towel, vacuuming, and washing bedding on a regular, frequent schedule will help. If you have a seasonal allergy to pollen, checking the pollen count in your area can help you avoid prolonged outside activity on high pollen days.

Reduce stress and anxiety: There are several ways to help reduce general stress and anxiety to improve overall mental health. Meditation, deep breathing exercises, yoga, daily walks outside, getting enough quality sleep, and eating a healthy diet are all proven methods you can try to help manage stress and anxiety.

Clean your indoor air: Cleaning your indoor air with an air purifier will help to filter out any unwanted airborne allergens. A good air purifier will clean any dust, pollen, and pet dander floating around your home before it can aggravate your allergies.

Allergy And Mental Health

But today I want to focus on a lesser known cause of anxiety, which is seasonal allergies.

When you think of allergy, you probably think of itchy, watery eyes and sneezing, maybe a cough. You dont think of mental health. But living in an environment with multiple allergy triggers can contribute to anxiety.

For those of you who regularly read the blog, you know weve written a lot about histamine.

You can read Kristin Kirkpatricks histamine intolerance post here, but the bottom line is that pollen allergy, or any other seasonal allergy, can cause mental unrest when paired with other factors that cause histamine to build up to excessive levels in the body.

What The Research Says

Several studies have examined the connection between allergies or allergy symptoms and mood disorders.

• A study published in 2019 found that rhinitis increased the odds of developing depression by 42%
• Allergic rhinitis was found to impact the quality of life of children. Allergies were connected to poor sleep, daytime fatigue, increased absenteeism, and decreased social interaction.
• Rates of depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances and possibly even risk of suicide have been found to be higher in patients with allergic rhinitis compared to the general population.

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The Connection Between Anxiety And Seasonal Allergies

Posted by Dr. John Thomas on Jul 10, 2019 1:01:16 PM

Whether you are in the dry South, the humid East, or the cool plains of the West, signs of spring can be a bittersweet welcome if you, along with the other 40-60 million Americans, suffer from allergies.¹

Seasonal allergies are caused by a sensitive immune system response to airborne mold spores or pollens from grass, trees, and weeds. Symptoms can range from a mild runny nose and foggy head to itchy eyes, sneezing and coughing, and this response can cause unwanted stress and anxiety.

With so many chronic illnesses stemming from improperly functioning stress responses and immune functions, researchers have been digging deeper into the relationship between our mental health and how our body deals with allergens.

The Relationship Between Allergies And Anxiety

The relationship between allergies and anxiety is complicated and not yet fully understood. Each person’s body reacts differently, both to allergies and to anxiety, so it’s difficult for researchers to pinpoint the causes and effects. However, there are several theories to explain the relationship between anxiety and allergies.

Researchers have found that any one of these could potentially be true with regards to anxiety. But even more likely is that all of them are true to some extent and are simply more or less pertinent for different people.

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Feeling Better Physically And Emotionally

No matter what the exact nature of allergy-depression connection, just knowing about it may help you. For one thing, says Marshall, it helps put negative emotions into context. âKnowing that allergies can cause sadness, malaise, and lethargy may help people from falsely attributing their symptoms to something else,â he says. Whatâs more, it can be reassuring to know that getting allergy symptoms under control may bring a welcome lift to a depressed mood.

Experts are quick to caution that this does not mean people battling depression should ignore treatment for the condition, such as psychotherapy and antidepressantmedication. Nor should allergy suffers turn away from proven treatments for allergies.

In other words, people with both allergies and depression are likely to need to be treated separately for each condition. âYou still treat depression as you normally would and treat allergies as you normally would,â says Marshall.

Can Food Allergies Cause Anxiety And Depression

If you suffer from mental health issues such as anxiety and depression I recommend you ask Can food allergies cause anxiety and depression and other mental health issues?

As an allergist and energy healer I see many clients who have anxiety, depression and other mental health issues. For most, the medical profession simply want to prescribe meds without addressing any of the underlying causes.

I find that two of the most overlooked factors in these conditions are allergies and intolerances to foods.

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The Role And Classification Of Depression In Ar

An increasing number of clinical and epidemiological investigations have found a close correlation between depression and AR however, there is no definitive conclusion on such a potential link. Thus, the role of depression in AR needs to be defined. We summarize it based on the previous literature and our own experience in Figure 1.

Figure 1. Schematic diagram of the relationship between depression and AR.

Figure 2. Classification of depression in AR based on possible pathogenesis.

How Our Body Reacts To Allergens

When our body is exposed to pollen, the allergen binds to IgE receptors on mast cells in our immune system. Mast cells protect our bodies from various types of pathogens outside of allergens, such as bacteria and parasites. They are primarily located in vascularized connective tissues or the submucosal layers of the gut and respiratory system.

Our bodys overall response to an allergen depends on which mast cells are activated and how. With seasonal allergies, allergens are inhaled via nasal or bronchial passageways, stimulating mucosal mast cells.² This can lead to increased mucus production by local epithelial cells, increased nasal irritation due to the release of various intracellular mediators, and airway congestion due to constricting blood vessels.

One of the main pro-inflammatory mediators released by mast cells is histamine, whose role is to help increase the permeability of blood vessels to allow other immune cells to infiltrate the area of attack. A popular target in many over-the-counter allergy medications, histamine release is deeply interconnected with our immune response.

When under stress, our immune system, mediated by the release of cortisol and other hormones, is down-regulated, leaving our body more susceptible to experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of seasonal allergies.

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Can Allergy Symptoms Be Psychological

Still, doctors continued to note a high incidence of apparently psychosomatic symptoms among allergic patients. In a British survey of more than 10,000 people conducted in the 1990s, for example, 20 percent indicated that they developed itching, hives and other allergic symptoms in response to various foods.

Why Do My Allergies Get Worse At Night

There are a few reasons why allergies affect sleep. For one, cortisol levels drop at night, which affects cells that manage inflammation meaning allergic symptoms, like obstructed airways and nasal congestion, can be more prominent at night. Histamine, a chemical released when allergic reactions occur, can also disturb sleep because of its role in the sleep-wake cycle.

Hay fever has also been shown to contribute to anxiety, which can lead to further sleep deprivation. Whats more, many people also experience anxiety specifically about their inability to sleep. Because allergies, sleep, and anxiety are connected, people who suffer from hay fever might find themselves in an insufferable cycle when their symptoms are present.

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Can Anxiety Increase Allergy Symptoms

Yes, research has shown that stress can increase allergies, allergy symptoms, allergic reactions, and allergy sensitivities the length of time allergy, allergies, and allergic reactions persist and can increase the severity and frequency of allergy, allergies, and allergic reaction symptoms.

Anxiety can also play a role since apprehensive behavior, such as worrying and being concerned, activates the stress response. Stress responses stress the body. The stress anxiety causes is the reason why many anxious people experience an increase in allergic reactions, sensitivities, and symptoms when they have an anxiety disorder.

Can Allergies Cause Anxiety Feeling

Yes, allergies can cause anxiety feelings symptoms and feelings similar to anxiety. For example, rashes, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea, bloating, feel like your throat is closing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, dizziness, feeling faint, feeling like you might pass out, and a sense of impending doom are common symptoms of anxiety and an allergic reaction.

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What To Do About Allergies

Allergy treatment typically involves using an over-the-counter corticosteroid nasal spray, such as mometasone furoate or fluticasone propionate .

The sprays help shut off the flow of inflammatory chemicals that trigger allergy symptoms. Symptoms should start to improve with a week of daily use, but it may take three weeks before the sprays show full benefit.

Another common type of allergy medication is an antihistamine. It counteracts the effects of histamine, a body chemical involved in allergic reactions. But some antihistamines such as diphenhydramine can cause drowsiness and increase the risk of falls. Dr. Sedaghat says the safest antihistamine options for older adults are prescription antihistamine sprays, such as azelastine and olopatadine . These may help prevent symptoms while minimizing drowsiness.

To prevent watery eyes, Dr. Sedaghat recommends antihistamine eyedrops, such as ketotifen , available over the counter, and olopatadine , available by prescription.

How Allergies Affect Mental Health

Mental and physical health are typically connected. Why do allergies impact your mental health? Seasonal allergy symptoms include postnasal drip, coughing, and fatigue with varying severity and can make someone with terrible allergies feel like theyre constantly sick. Theres also the brain fog that comes with both allergies and allergy treatments. Its no wonder that chronic physical health issues can negatively affect your mental health.

Its important to pay attention to both your physical and mental health since there is a strong relationship between the two. Sometimes a mental health disorder, like anxiety, and a physical health issue, like asthma, can have similar symptoms, and one can affect the other.

Asthma and anxiety can both cause shortness of breath and one can aggravate the other. Shortness of breath from a panic attack could trigger your asthma, or the anticipation of an asthma attack could lead to anxiety. This relationship between physical and mental health is similar to how allergies can potentially affect your mental health and vice versa.

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What If Improving My Allergies Worsens My Mental Health

Most allergy treatments are unlikely to worsen your mental health.

However, certain medications used to treat allergies have been linked to depression or are known to interact with medications used to treat mood disorders, including depression or bipolar disorder.

For this reason, it’s important that you consult with your healthcare provider, as well as your pharmacist, so they can review each medication you’re using and provide options that preserve your mental health while treating your allergies.

Any time you start a new medicationâfor either allergies, depression, or another mood disorderâreview your complete medication list with your healthcare provider to ensure it is unlikely to interfere with the other medications you are taking. Do not assume your healthcare provider is aware of every medication you are on.

If your allergy medication is causing depression, you may be able to treat your allergies with a different medication that is less likely to cause this side effect. For example, intranasal sprays for congestion are less likely to cause side effects than a systemic antihistamine that affects the whole body, because less of the medication is absorbed into the bloodstream.

Are My Allergies Giving Me Anxiety

Anxiety and depression come in all forms so does allergy. But are the two conditions related? Dr. George Kroker, partner at Allergy Associates of La Crosse and a co-author of the La Crosse Method Protocol explains the intriguing link between allergies and anxiety and depression. More notably, he has often seen gratifying improvements in both conditions after treating the cause of the allergy.

I think with allergies and the nervous system, there are two possible interactions. One direct effect is that in certain susceptible patients, a specific food or inhalant can make someone feel tired, depressed or anxious. Theres also, however, where the misery caused by the allergy condition leads to secondary anxiety and some depressive symptoms from that, Dr. Kroker explains. This latter, indirect effect is common for many serious, chronic illnesses in general not just allergy.

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Is There A Causative Link Between Allergies And Mental Illness

by Todd C. Morehouse, D.O. | May 23, 2022 | Allergies

If youre one who suffers from allergies, youd know that suffering really is the right word. A congested nose, postnasal drip, itchy skin, and watery eyes are so much fun, said no one ever. However, did you know that research has found an actual link between mental health and allergies?

Can Hay Fever Worsen Anxiety

For millions of people in the UK, the spring and summer months mean only one thing, hay fever, Dr. Edel reports.

Youre cooped up at home, not sleeping well and not able to relax and enjoy time outdoors, so its not surprising that hay fever sufferers can experience feelings of low mood, anxiety and stress.

New research by the makers of Fusion Allergy Nasal Spray, reveals the most common hay fever symptoms reported by women are nasal congestion and sneezing, closely followed by sore, watery eyes and an itchy throat and mouth.

We know that when were constantly battling symptoms like these, it can leave us feeling exhausted, and affect our ability to function at work or school, which in turn causes stress.

Sleep plays a big role in our mental health too, and we know that up to 57% of adults and 88% of children with hay fever have sleep problems, which can cause daytime fatigue and decreased cognitive functioning, so its clear that allergies can have a far reaching impact, not only to sufferers physical health, but their mental and emotional health as well, Dr. Edel adds.

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Finding The Missing Link

Researchers are still looking for the link between mental illnesses and allergies. They know that people with allergies are more likely to be diagnosed with mental illnesses, but they are unsure why. In particular, asthma and hay fever have been linked to schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder while people with atopic dermatitis are more likely to have depression, schizophrenia, and anxiety. Research also shows that people with seasonal allergies are more likely to have anxiety disorders.

When To Call Your Provider

If you suspect that your allergy medication is causing feelings of depression, it’s time to call your healthcare provider. Left unaddressed, your symptoms may worsen. Your provider can help you explore alternative treatment options that may decrease your allergy symptoms without making you feel depressed.

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How Are Allergies And Depression Linked

Several studies have shown a link between allergic rhinitis and mood disorders, including depression.

The cause of this is not completely clear, but studies suggest a genetic component between allergies and mental health conditions, like depression. Another hypothesis is that inflammatory chemical mediators, such as cytokines, may be responsible.

Poor sleep caused by allergy symptoms may also lead to depression, as well as side effects caused by allergy medications.

Can Allergies Cause Anxiety

No, allergies themselves dont cause anxiety. Anxiety occurs when we behave in an apprehensive manner, such as worrying and fearing the worst. Being concerned and worrying about allergies and the harm allergic reactions could cause, however, does create anxiety. So, worrying about your allergies can cause anxiety.

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Does High Histamine Levels Cause Anxiety

Anxiety is caused by apprehensive behavior. So, no, high histamine levels dont cause anxiety. But, the symptoms of high histamine can cause anxiety-like symptoms. If a person is anxious about those symptoms, that anxiousness will cause anxiety since anxiousness is an example of apprehensive behavior.

Moreover, high histamine levels, often referred to as histamine intolerance, can cause similar feelings to an involuntary panic attack. These panic attack-like episodes can be aggravated if a person is worried about having panic attacks and their symptoms.