Does Allergies Make You Weak

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.

How To Live With Allergies Not Sickness

Luckily, there are ways to strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of having sickness despite having allergies, including:

1. Practice Good Hygiene

Keep viruses and bacterias at bay by always washing your hands thoroughly. Make sure that you already washed your hands before touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, especially if you havent washed your hands yet.

2. Always Eat A Balanced Diet

There are nutritious foods that you can eat which can help fight against infection. These include berries, garlic, leafy greens, poultry, cauliflower, kale, raw honey, and yogurt.

3. Get A Lot of Rest

This is common knowledge but still worth mentioning. A good nights sleep can boost your immune system and maintain low levels of stress.

4. Avoid Having Contact With Sick People

Keep your distance from people with sickness, and dont touch the objects that they use.

5. Clean Your Household and Working Area Regularly

Make sure to maintain the cleanliness of your home and working area. You can use soap and water or detergents to clean. By following this, you can get rid of the viruses and bacterias, especially on the things that you often touch.

6. Get Vaccinated

You can ask your doctor for vaccines that are available against infections or common diseases. They will also tell you if these vaccines are right for you.

7. Control Your Allergies

Can Allergies Cause Fatigue And Body Aches

Once patients ask and receive the answer to the question, Can allergies cause fatigue? they are apt to wonder if allergies might be behind other frustrating symptoms. One of these lesser-known symptoms of allergies is body aches.

Allergies cause inflammation not only in your nasal tissues but in other areas of your body as well, including the tissues in your joints. This inflammation can cause body aches, which can be compounded by fatigue. Allergy-related body aches may also stem from frequent snoring or coughing, which can create wear and tear on a patients body.

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Certain Allergy Medications Can Worsen Fatigue

Even though they work to relieve some symptoms, certain allergy medicines can actually make you more tired. Antihistamines in particular have been known to cause drowsiness, however, most newer, second-generation pills are designed to be non-drowsy. Still, it is important to always read labels carefully, and consult with a doctor if unsure which allergy medications may cause increased fatigue.

So Why Do Allergies Make You Tired

There are actually a few potential reasons why your allergies are wiping you out. And, when combined, they can lead to some serious fatigue.

Youre not breathing well.

When this happens, youre not getting oxygen as easily, and your body has to work a little harder to operate normally, which can wear you out, says Purvi Parikh, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Allergy & Asthma Network.

The immune response is tough on your body.

Allergies cause bodily inflammation, and when your immune system is inflamed, your body uses up a fair amount of energy and resources to make an immune response, says Kara Wada, M.D., an allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. Plus, when youre having an allergic reaction and histamines are released, that can make you feel tired, notes Dr. Monteleone.

Youre having trouble sleeping.

Seasonal allergies tend to cause nasal congestion, and that disturbs your ability to get a good nights rest, says Dr. Monteleone.

Your medication is wiping you out.

Certain allergy medications, including first-generation antihistamines like diphenhydramine can make you feel tired, says Stanley Schwartz, M.D., Ph.D., division chief of Allergy-Immunology-Rheumatology at the University at Buffalo Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

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Possible Symptoms Of A Strong Immune System Misfiring

When our system misfires it causes an allergic reaction. Its annoying, right?

But if we have a cold-causing bacteria in our nose the stuffiness were experiencing would be a good thing. Nasal congestion is a build up of mucous and blood which help fight off the bad guys.

The same holds true when our eyes water profusely when coming into contact with allergy inducing dust mites. If there was a real invader in our eye the excessive watering would be great! It would help flush out our eye and protect us. But not when its a harmless dust mite.

Symptoms of a strong yet, overactive immunes system include:

• Excessive eye watering

• Excessive mucus production in the throat

• Red welts or rash after being in contact with an allergen

• Fatigue

If these symptoms occasionally occur then thats a positive sign your immune system is active. Its only when the symptoms are persistent and chronic that it becomes a problem.

Our bodies shouldnt be fighting off allergens like dust mites that are present year-round.

Here Are Some Examples Of Lymphoid Organs

1. Adenoids

Adenoids are the 2 glands that are located at the back of your nasal passages.

2. Appendix

An appendix is a small tube connected to your large intestine.

3. Blood Vessels

The arteries, veins, and capillaries are the three kinds of blood vessels. Each one of these blood vessels plays a particular role in the process of circulation.

4. Bone Marrow

Bone marrow is found in your bone cavities. It is composed of soft and fatty tissue.

5. Lymph Nodes

Lymph nodes are the small bean-shaped organs located throughout your body and connected through the lymphatic vessels.

6. Lymphatic Vessels

Lymphatic vessels are the network of capillaries and a large network of tubes found throughout your body that carries lymph away from tissues.

7. Peyer Patches

Peyer patches are small masses of lymphoid tissue in your small intestine.

8. Spleen

A spleen is an organ that has the same size as a fist located in your abdominal cavity.

9. Thymus

The thymus is a specialized primary lymphoid organ of your immune system. It is the two lobes that join in front of your trachea behind your breastbone.

10. Tonsils

Tonsils are the 2 oval masses located at the back of your throat.

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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.

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Discover What The Allergies Are

Knowing what your allergies are can pay big dividends. I had allergy symptoms my whole life but didnt know what I was allergic to.

Even worse, my symptoms were always delayed so an allergy might bother me one day but my reactions manifested the following day. This made my allergies really confusing.

Once I was tested, it opened a whole new opportunity to prevent allergies. I could evaluate my living environment, look at pollen reports online and adjust my day accordingly. My allergic reactions began to make sense!

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Consider Keeping Pets Out Of The Bedroom

Having pets on the bed can be an issue even if this isnt your primary allergy, since pets can have dust, pollen or other allergens clinging to their fur when they enter the room. Those with a pet dander allergy should strongly consider keeping pets off of the bed or out of the bedroom to make sleeping easier without allergy symptoms.

Find Out What Youre Allergic To

In order to treat your allergies, you have to know what youre up against.

An allergy test can help identify substances that trigger allergic reactions in your body. These substances, known as allergens, can be things you breathe in, things you touch, or things you eat.

A skin prick allergy test involves exposing the skin on your arm or back to small amounts of allergens to then see what you react to. These tests are typically done in a single sitting, and youll get results right away.

A blood allergy test can also check for allergens and is useful if you take a medication that can interfere with results or if your doctor suspects you may have a severe allergic reaction to even a tiny amount of an allergen.

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What Causes ‘your’ Fatigue

Many physical and mental illnesses, as well as lifestyle factors, can cause your fatigue, and that can make it hard to diagnose. In some cases, it might be something simple and easy to fix, like having caffeine at bedtime. But other causes, like heart disease or COPD, are serious, and you may need to start long-term treatment right away.

Your doctor can help you sift through your health issues, as well as diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits, in order to zero in on the cause and help you on the road to recovery.

How Is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Diagnosed

Right now, theres no test to tell if someone has chronic fatigue syndrome. Doctors ask a lot of questions . They also will do a thorough physical exam.

Doctors also usually order blood, urine , or other tests to check for conditions that cause similar symptoms. They may send a person to see other specialists to help with the diagnosis.

A doctor may suggest meeting with a psychologist or a therapist who can see whether mental health disorders might contribute to or mask CFS.

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Be Aware Of Your Symptoms And Seasonality

If youre feeling run down, dont count out allergies. Allergies can sap your energy, but if they tie up your immune system they can make you susceptible to colds and infections. When I was at my worst I was also getting sick a lot.

One tip Id give is to consider the season.

• Spring time is usually tree allergy season

• Summer is usually grass allergy season

• Late summer into fall is usually weed allergy season

These pollens will overlap with each other and can have a compounding effect on your allergies.

If youre experiencing allergies in the winter, or year-round, dust mites might be the culprit. Because you cant see dust mites youll never realize it but dust mites live in our homes, and in our beds.

My worst symptoms with dust mite allergy were in winter and summer because the HVAC system would blow them around the house. Because theyre invisible to the naked eye, dust mites can remain suspended in the air for hours. Once you inhale them the allergic symptoms begin!

How To Live With Allergies Not Illness

Fortunately, there are steps you can take to strengthen your immune system and minimize your risk of getting sick despite your allergies. These include:

• Practicing good hygiene. Keep germs and viruses at bay by washing your hands often with hot water, and avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Making sure you eat a balanced diet. Foods known to fight against infection include berries, garlic, leafy greens, poultry , cauliflower, kale, raw honey, and yogurt with live and active cultures.
• Get plenty of rest. This should go without saying. A healthy nights rest boosts the immune system, and keeps stress levels down.
• Avoiding contact with people who are sick and may be contagious. Keep your distance and do not touch objects they have used.
• Cleaning your household and workstation surroundings regularly. That includes counters and other surfaces that you touch often with your hands, as well as toilets and sinks. Use soap and water or domestic detergents to cleanse. This helps eliminate viruses that can survive on hard surfaces.
• Getting vaccinated. Ask your doctor what vaccines against infections or diseases are available and whether they are right for you.
• Control your allergies. Dont allow them to go undiagnosed and untreated. Work with your doctor to find the right treatment to manage, if not eliminate, your condition and take medication as prescribed.

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How Allergies Affect Your Mood And Energy Level

• Treatment Options

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

How Allergy Symptoms Can Make You Tired

Your immune system responds to airborne allergens by releasing chemicals that create inflammation in your nose. As a result, you might experience nasal congestion, sneezing, and a runny nose. All of these symptoms narrow airways, making it difficult to breathe, especially when youre lying downwhich can make for difficult nights sleep.1

While many people suffer from seasonal allergies , millions of Americans experience year-round symptoms. The culprit: indoor allergenssuch as dust mites, pet dander, and moldall of which can be found in the bedroom.2

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Can Seasonal Allergies Make You Sleepy

For those who are sensitive to pollen, dust mites and weeds, certain times of the year may make them feel under the weather.While a seasonal allergy attack is not a true illness, the bodys response to allergens may make the sufferer feel sick. Rather than allergies causing sleepiness, they cause fatigue, which may make the sufferer feel sleepy.

If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.

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Itchiness Around The Nose Throat And Mouth

An itchy nose, throat and mouth are one of the more severe allergic reactions associated with hay fever. It can make all of the other symptoms feel ten times worse and can be hugely discomforting. The itchiness is a result of pollen getting inhaled through to your mouth, throat, and nose.

To relieve these symptoms, you should first always drink lots of fluids. This will help keep your throat moist and clear, reducing the itchiness. You can also try drinking honey mixed with warm water to relieve throat irritation. To relieve itchiness in the nose, blow it regularly to clear out your nasal passages.

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Why & How Allergies Can Make You Tired

The ragweed is in bloom or you visited a friend with a cat, and now your allergies are leaving you so exhausted youâre dragging around all day. Is it the allergies themselves that turn you into a lethargic ghost of your former self? Could it be your medication? Why and how can allergies make you tired?

When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases proteins called proinflammatory cytokines, which are designed to neutralize invading particles, including allergens like pollen, pet dander, and mold. Researchers believe that cytokines act on the central nervous system and prompt leukocytes and other cells to secrete IL-1 beta , a hormone-like substance that can make you feel lethargic and depress your mood. Perhaps fatigue from the inflammatory process is your bodyâs way of telling you to rest so it can fight whatever is plaguing your system.

Some research links daytime drowsiness and lethargy to poor nighttime sleep, a complaint from many who suffer from allergies. A stuffy nose, post-nasal drip, and coughing can surely ruin a nightâs sleep. Add that to several weeks of bad sleep that you might get during a typical allergy season and youâre in a state of chronic fatigue. This can lead to other health problems that worsen fatigue.

Medication

Can allergies make you tired? Yes. Can you do anything about it? Yes. Limit exposure to allergens, evaluate your medications, and talk to your doctor about treatment options.

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.

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Allergy Shots Illuminated The Impact Of Allergies Weakening My Immune System

It wasnt until I began allergy shots did I really understand how weak my immune system had become. If youre unaware of allergy shots they are the only cure available for allergies.

They are a long-term process, time investment, and arent cheap . Allergists give an allergy test, discover what youre allergic to, and create a custom mix of the things you are allergic to and put them in your body .

With allergy shots, your body is constantly being exposed to the substances youre allergic to. The process aims to retrain the immune system to recognize the allergens as harmless.

Most people are on allergy shots for multiple years and the improvement rate is around 70% .

Over the course of the 1st year on allergy shots, I gained a tremendous amount of energy. I began sleeping better and waking up with energy. My skin improved, eyes stopped itching, and my ears felt better too.

If youre worn down from allergies and your immune system is having trouble overcoming allergies then I suggest looking into allergy shots. You can read my allergy shot review and learn more details about the process.