When you think of allergy symptoms, sneezing, nasal congestion, and itchy eyes probably come to mind. However, research has shown that chronic allergies can increase feelings of depression and fatigue as well.
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 (inflammation of mucous membranes in the nose that cause common allergy symptoms like congestion) 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.
Effects of Chronic Stress
Though the connection is not completely understood, one reason people with allergies may have a higher rate of depression and fatigue is exposure to chronic stress. Dealing with regular allergy symptoms that affect your sleep quality and make you feel unwell can worsen your mood and lead to increased feelings of frustration and depression.
It’s also possible that exposure to chronic stress can worsen allergy symptoms. A study published in 2014 found that people who experience chronic psychological stress had:
- Stronger postnasal discharge
- Thicker discharge
- Worse cough
- Disturbed sleep
- Fatigue
Another possibility is that the inflammation caused by allergies is partially responsible for increased rates of depression and anxiety.
What to Do
Mental health is crucial to your overall health and wellbeing. If you feel like your allergies are contributing to worsening depression, anxiety or fatigue it’s important to take steps towards improving your health. Some options include:
- Avoiding your triggers. For example, if you have a pollen allergy, keep an eye on outdoor pollen counts. On days they are high it might be wise to exercise indoors instead of taking a walk through Colonial Lake Park.
- Practicing stress management techniques. Deep breathing exercises, meditation and yoga can all help boost your mood and reduce stress.
- Changing medications. Certain allergy medications can impact mood and energy levels. If you are concerned about the effects of your current medication, talk to your doctor about alternatives.
- Visit an allergist. If you have been relying on home remedies or over-the-counter medications to manage your allergy symptoms to no avail, make an appointment with an allergist. They can properly identify your triggers via allergy testing, which can help you better avoid them. They also may recommend stronger medications or immunotherapy to treat your allergies.
- Speak with a mental health professional. Counseling can be an effective way to learn coping strategies and manage your depression or anxiety.
For more information or to schedule an appointment with an allergy expert, contact Charleston ENT & Allergy today.