Allergy season can bring a whole host of unpleasant symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy, watery eyes. And, if you’re feeling more tired than usual, you’re not alone.
“This is a very common complaint,” says allergist and immunologist Dr Catherine Monteleone, “Seasonal allergies can make you feel less energised.”
You may experience this as a general sense of fatigue or even brain fog, where “you feel like you’re not able to think as clearly,” notes Dr. Monteleone.
But why can allergies make you feel so tired? And is there anything you can do to fight the fatigue? Here’s everything you need to know.
What causes allergies, anyway?
An allergic reaction occurs when the immune system overreacts to a foreign substance that usually causes few or no problems in most people, according to Health Direct.
When you have an allergy to something, like pollen or grass, your immune system views it as an invader (a.k.a. the allergen). It then overreacts by producing antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which travel to cells that release chemicals called histamines, Dr. Monteleone explains. Cue the stuffy nose, coughing, sneezing, and other uncomfortable symptoms.
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.
✔️ You’re not breathing well.
When this happens, you’re not getting oxygen as easily, and your body has to work a little harder to operate normally, which can wear you out, says Dr Purvi Parikh, an allergist and immunologist.
✔️ 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 allergist and immunologist, Dr Kara Wada. Plus, when you’re having an allergic reaction and histamines are released, that can make you feel tired, notes Dr. Monteleone.
✔️ You’re having trouble sleeping.
Seasonal allergies tend to cause nasal congestion, and that disturbs your ability to get a good night’s rest, says Dr. Monteleone.
✔️ Your medication is wiping you out.
Certain allergy medications, including some antihistamines can make you feel tired, says Dr Stanley Schwartz, a researcher of allergies and immunology.
“Antihistamines block the receptors for histamine in the body, and there is a receptor for histamine in the brain that keeps you alert,” he explains. When certain antihistamines reach your brain, they can make you feel sleepy as a result.
How to treat allergy-related fatigue
Step one is getting to the source of what’s causing your allergies in the first place. An allergist can help you do just that. “He or she can perform allergy testing by skin testing or by blood work to help identify any allergy triggers,” says Dr Patricia Takach, an allergist and immunologist.
Once you know what’s triggering an allergic reaction, do your best to avoid those substances, says Dr David Corry an expert in immunology, allergy, and rheumatology. That means taking steps like staying indoors on high pollen count days and making a few lifestyle changes such as showering when you come indoors, cleaning your sheets regularly, and keeping pets—who can carry things like pollen and grass—out of your bed. Wearing a face mask when you’re outdoors can also help filter out pollen and other allergens that may be irritating.
It’s also a good idea to consider taking an allergy medication. “This is especially important if you are feeling any breathing symptoms at all—coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath—as this is dangerous if left untreated,” says Dr. Takach. An allergist or your GP can help determine the right medication for you.
If you are already on an allergy medication, and fatigue is listed as a possible side effect, talk to your doctor about using a nasal steroid spray instead. “It helps nasal congestion and does not cause fatigue,” Dr. Monteleone says. A salt water rinse, which is not medicated, may also help with symptoms.
And while it won’t help your allergies and allergy-related tiredness right now, immunotherapy (i.e. allergy shots) may be good to look into if you notice you’re struggling with this every season, Dr. Takech says. These injections help make you less allergic over time rather than just suppressing your symptoms.
The bottom line: If you’re struggling with allergy-related fatigue and you can’t seem to get relief on your own, talk to your doctor about your options. They should be able to find the best treatment plan to boost your energy again.
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