Allergies are incredibly common. Millions of people deal with them year-round, while others only experience them seasonally.
What many don’t realize is that allergies and dizziness can be connected. While it’s not the most talked-about symptom, allergies can cause you to feel dizzy or even experience vertigo.
Here, we’ll explore how allergies can trigger dizziness, what other symptoms to watch out for, and how to find relief.
How allergies can lead to dizziness
Dizziness and lightheadedness aren’t typical allergy symptoms, but they can occur. Here’s how:
Inner ear involvement and the vestibular system
Your inner ear plays a key role in your sense of balance. Within the inner ear is the vestibular system, which tells you where you are in space. When you have an allergic reaction, inflammation and fluid buildup can disrupt the function of your inner ear.
Sinus pressure and Eustachian tube dysfunction
Allergies can lead to sinus congestion, which can affect your balance. Your Eustachian tubes regulate the pressure in your ears, and allergies can cause those tubes to become blocked. That blockage can lead to pressure imbalances that contribute to dizziness.
Histamine release and its systemic effects
During an allergic reaction, your body’s immune system releases histamine, which can cause systemic effects. Dizziness is one of those effects.
What are the symptoms of allergy-related dizziness?
If your allergies are affecting your balance, you might experience vertigo, which is the sensation that you or your surroundings are spinning.
Other balance-related symptoms include:
- Lightheadedness
- Unsteadiness
- Loss of balance
You might also feel nauseous or vomit.
Some people experience changes to their hearing, such as a feeling of fullness or pressure in their ears. Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears, is another possible symptom.
When to see a doctor
Some people are more susceptible to allergy-related dizziness than others.
- People with a history of allergies
- Children and older adults
Talk to a doctor if you experience frequent or severe dizziness. Also, seek medical advice if your dizziness comes with other symptoms, such as hearing loss or neurological problems. Many people don’t associate dizziness with allergies, because it can be a symptom of many conditions.
How to manage allergy-related dizziness
If you’re experiencing dizziness as a result of allergies, there are several ways you can manage your symptoms. Here are some medical treatments, home remedies, and lifestyle adjustments to consider.
Medical treatments and medications
- Antihistamines: These medications can help reduce the amount of histamine your body releases during an allergic reaction, which can alleviate allergy symptoms.
- Decongestants: Decongestants can relieve nasal congestion and sinus pressure, which can contribute to dizziness.
- Nasal corticosteroid sprays: These sprays can reduce inflammation in the nasal passages, which can also help relieve congestion and pressure.
- Allergy shots (immunotherapy): If your allergies are severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend allergy shots to help you build up a tolerance to allergens over time.
Home remedies and lifestyle adjustments
- Stay hydrated: Dehydration can worsen dizziness, so it’s important to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Steam inhalation: Steam inhalation can help relieve sinus congestion and pressure.
- Allergen avoidance: Reducing your exposure to known allergens can help prevent allergy symptoms, including dizziness.
- Saline nasal rinses: Saline nasal rinses can help clear nasal passages of allergens and irritants.
Preventing Dizziness Through Proactive Allergy Management
If you’re experiencing dizziness, allergy management may help. Here are some possible steps you can take:
- Allergy testing to identify your triggers.
- Environmental control, such as using HEPA filters and keeping windows closed when pollen counts are high.
- Monitoring allergy forecasts, so you know when you might experience a flare-up.
In Closing
Allergies can definitely be a trigger for dizziness and vertigo.
If you’re experiencing dizziness, especially if you also have allergy symptoms, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional. They can give you an accurate diagnosis and create a treatment plan just for you.
Managing your allergies proactively can help you stay balanced and feel your best.