Stress has become an inevitable part of our daily lives. Stress can take a toll on our physical and mental well-being, whether it's from work, relationships, or other external factors. But stress can also worsen allergies.
Today, we will explore the correlation between stress and allergies and how managing stress can help alleviate allergy symptoms.
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The Connection Between Stress and Allergies
First, it's essential to understand how our body reacts to stress. When we are stressed, our body produces a hormone called cortisol. This hormone triggers our "fight or flight" response, causing increased heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. These physical changes are meant to prepare us for potential danger, but when experienced regularly due to chronic stress, they can negatively affect our immune system.
Our immune system protects us from harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, and allergens. However, when under chronic stress, our immune system becomes overactive and can trigger allergic reactions to substances that would usually not cause harm.
This means that people who are already prone to allergies may experience more frequent or severe symptoms when under stress.
The Impact of Stress on:
Allergy Symptoms
Stress can worsen allergy symptoms in several ways. First, it can weaken our respiratory system, making us more susceptible to allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Janice K. and colleagues investigated the relationship between stress and allergy symptoms in individuals with allergic rhinitis, a condition that causes inflammation of the nasal passages and results in sneezing, runny nose, and congestion.
In this study, 28 participants with allergic rhinitis were selected based on their medical history and skin test responses to common allergens. They were divided into two groups and admitted to a hospital research unit for 4 hours on two separate occasions. During one visit, they were subjected to a standardized speech stressor, while during the other visit, they were not exposed to any stressful task.
They measured the participants' skin prick test, including the wheal diameters before and after the stressor and the morning after. The results showed that individuals with higher levels of anxiety experienced a more significant increase in wheal diameter following the stressor compared to those with lower anxiety levels. This indicates stress can heighten allergic reactions, leading to more severe symptoms.
Moreover, the study also found that anxiety had a significant impact on late-phase responses. Even when the participants were tested again the day after the stressor, their skin test responses still reflected the lingering effects of stress.
Additionally, they looked at the production of Interleukin-6, an inflammatory cytokine, by stimulated leukocytes. They found that participants with higher levels of anxiety produced more Interleukin-6 after the stressor compared to the control visit. This suggests that stress can also lead to increased inflammation in individuals with allergies.
This study highlights how stress and anxiety can worsen and prolong allergy symptoms, making it essential to manage our stress levels for better overall health. If you have allergic rhinitis or other allergies, it is crucial to find healthy ways to cope with stress, such as exercise, relaxation techniques, and seeking support from friends and family.
Reducing stress can help alleviate allergy symptoms and improve our quality of life. So take care of yourself, and don't let stress get the best of you.