How Does Stress Affect Allergies? How To Manage Both?

Do you find that your allergies always seem to act up when you’re stressed out? You’re not alone. Stress can have a significant impact on our immune system, and it can worsen allergy symptoms. Let’s take a closer look and find out does stress affect allergies and some tips for managing both.

The Impact of Stress on Allergies

When we experience stress, our body releases a hormone called cortisol. Cortisol is known to play a role in the body’s inflammatory response, which can worsen allergy symptoms. Inflammation can cause our airways to become constricted, making it harder to breathe. This can lead to symptoms like coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. So if someone asks can stress cause allergies to flare up? We already know the answer. 

In addition to cortisol, stress can also increase the levels of histamine in our bodies. Histamine is a chemical that our body produces in response to allergens. It causes symptoms like sneezing, itching, and hives. When our histamine levels are high, our allergy symptoms can be more severe.

Research has shown that stress can weaken our immune system, making us more susceptible to allergies. In one study, researchers found that people who reported high levels of stress were more likely to develop allergies than those who reported low levels of stress. Additionally, chronic stress can increase the risk of developing asthma, a respiratory condition that can be triggered by allergies.

Stats For Nerds 

Here are some research done to find out the impact of stress on allergy development

• Research has shown that stress can worsen allergy symptoms, increase the risk of developing allergies, and weaken the immune system. (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
• Cortisol, a hormone released during times of stress, can lead to inflammation in the body and make allergy symptoms worse. (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
• Chronic stress can increase the levels of histamine in the body, which can trigger allergic reactions. (American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology)
• Studies have found that people who report high levels of stress are more likely to develop allergies than those who report low levels of stress. (Cohen et al., 2012)
• Chronic stress can lead to glucocorticoid receptor resistance, which can weaken the immune system and increase inflammation in the body. (Cohen et al., 2012)
• Chronic stress can also lead to age-related increases in proinflammatory cytokines like IL-6, which can contribute to the development of allergies. (Kiecolt-Glaser et al., 2003)

Managing Stress and Allergies

So, how can we manage stress and allergies? Here are some tips:

1. Practice relaxation techniques:

Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can all help to reduce stress and inflammation in the body. These techniques can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps to counteract the effects of stress on the body.

2. Get enough sleep:

Lack of sleep can make stress and allergies worse. Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep each night. Quality sleep can help to reduce inflammation and boost the immune system.

3. Exercise regularly:

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and boost the immune system. Just make sure to avoid exercising outside when pollen counts are high. Try to find indoor exercise options if pollen counts are high outside.

4. Avoid allergens:

If you know you’re allergic to something, try to avoid it as much as possible. This can help to prevent allergy symptoms from occurring in the first place. Keep your environment clean and try to avoid exposure to pollen and other allergens.

5. Laugh it off:

Laughter is the best medicine, right? Well, it turns out that there is some truth to this. Studies have shown that laughter can reduce stress and boost the immune system. So, go ahead and watch that funny movie or hang out with your funniest friend. It can help to reduce stress and boost your mood.

6. Consider therapy:

If stress is affecting your quality of life, consider seeking therapy or counseling. Talking to a mental health professional can help you to develop coping strategies and manage stress more effectively.

7. Practice mindfulness:

Mindfulness involves being present at the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness meditation can be a helpful tool for managing stress and anxiety.

Conclusion

In conclusion, stress can have a significant impact on our allergies. It can worsen allergy symptoms, can cause allergies to flare up, increase the risk of developing allergies, and weaken the immune system. However, by managing stress and taking steps to prevent allergies, we can minimize the impact of both. So, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy the spring weather – without the sneezing and itching.!

Reference:

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3264048/
• https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1118355109
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12840146/