If you’re experiencing dizziness, there are many possible reasons, including being dehydrated, taking new medications or having a balance disorder. Another potential cause that may surprise you is allergies. Yes, allergies can contribute to dizziness, and we review how below.
What Causes Allergies?
Your immune system works to protect your body from diseases, viruses and infections. But for people with allergies, their immune system mistakes harmless substances such as dust mites, mold spores or pollen found at Charles Towne Landing State Historic Site in West Ashley as dangerous intruders. An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to one of these harmless substances, known as an allergen, and your immune system overreacts.
In order to fight off the intruder, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which tells your cells to release histamine. Histamine increases your mucus production and triggers inflammation, causing your allergy symptoms.
How Do Allergies Cause Dizziness?
The inflammation discussed above can occur throughout your body, including in your ears, which is where your vestibular (balance) system is located.
The Eustachian tubes are the passageways between the middle ear and the back of the throat. They allow fluid to drain from the middle ears and air pressure to equalize between the middle ears and the environment. If they become inflamed, fluid can become trapped, throwing off your balance.
How Can I Treat Allergy-Induced Dizziness?
According to one study entitled, “Allergy, Immunotherapy, and Alternative Treatments for Dizziness,” “Allergy immunotherapy and/or an elimination diet for diagnosed food allergies have been found to be effective treatments.”
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term solution for treating allergies. It works by introducing small amounts of allergens into the body so your immune system can build up a tolerance to them. After three to five years of treatment, the goal is to be symptom-free. There are two forms of immunotherapy, subcutaneous (allergy shots) and sublingual (allergy drops). The former must be administered in an allergist’s office, while the latter can be administered at home after the first dose.
For more information about allergy immunotherapy or to be evaluated for your dizziness, call Charleston ENT & Allergy today.