Ashford Clinic Blog
The Relationship Between Allergies and Fatigue
When you’re suffering from seasonal or chronic allergies, the primary symptoms that you probably tend to focus on are usually itchy eyes, runny nose, sneezing, and congestion. The usual culprits. To a lesser degree though, fatigue is also a symptom. Here are some reasons why fatigue can occur with your allergy symptoms.
While allergies aren’t viruses or bacterial infections, they still put your body’s immune system into fight mode. This means that your body is putting extra effort into fighting off “intruders” in the way of pollen, mold spores, dander, etc., just as it would a cold or infection. Extra rest and good nutrition is a good way to help your body replenish itself.
Over-the-counter medications are quick and easy ways to treat a variety of allergy symptoms, and many of these contain antihistamines. Drowsiness is a common side effect of antihistamines.
Speaking of sleep, even if you’re going to bed early you still might not be getting enough sleep. Allergies can cause swelling in your nasal passages, making it harder to sleep. In addition to that, your body tends to produce more mucus which also can cause breathing uses especially if you become congested. There is also an increased chance of coughing due to post-nasal drip. In short, there is a lot going on that can interfere with you getting enough deep, restful sleep.
In addition to what we’ve already gone over, allergies can trigger general inflammation that can affect your joints and muscles throughout your body. They can also cause dizziness, which requires more focus to compensate for and maintain focus. All of this can add to the general fatigue associated with allergies.
If the other physical symptoms weren’t enough, many people experience brain fog when they have allergies. This can be due to congestion and fatigue, but also as a side effect of over-the-counter medications used to treat the major symptoms.
Allergies can be exhausting, and often detract from what would otherwise be enjoyable times of the year. If you’re experiencing allergy symptoms that are interfering with your life, it might be time to schedule an appointment to discuss better treatment options! You can call us at 706-248-6860 if you’d like to learn more.
