Allergies affect millions of people worldwide and are notorious for causing a myriad of physical symptoms. These symptoms are often easily recognized and include itchy eyes, a runny nose, and bouts of sneezing.
However, there is a less recognized, yet equally debilitating symptom that can significantly impact a person’s daily life – fatigue. Allergy fatigue is not just simply feeling tired , but a profound exhaustion that can interfere with everyday tasks, mental health, and overall quality of life.
Can Allergies Make You Tired? Here’s What to Do:
Allergies don’t just make you sneeze — they can leave you totally wiped out. The good news? There are simple ways to get your energy back. Here’s a quick Q&A to help you fight allergy fatigue.
Why do allergies make me so tired?
When your immune system reacts to pollen, dust, or pet dander, it releases chemicals that cause inflammation. Your body works overtime, and that can leave you feeling drained.
How can I avoid feeling so tired?
- Clear the air: Use an air purifier, keep windows closed during high-pollen days, and shower after being outside.
- Keep things clean: Wash bedding often and vacuum regularly to keep allergens away.
Should I take medicine?
Yes, non-drowsy antihistamines and nasal sprays can make a big difference. If over-the-counter meds don’t help, talk to a doctor about stronger options or allergy shots.
How do I get better sleep?
- Shower before bed so you’re not bringing pollen into your sheets.
- Stick to a sleep schedule and aim for 7–9 hours every night.
- Keep your room cool, dark, and allergen-free.
Can food or exercise help?
Absolutely
- Eat well: Go for fruits, veggies, lean protein, and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep mucus thin and energy levels up.
- Move a little: Light exercise like walking can boost your mood and immune system.
When should I see a doctor?
- If you still feel exhausted even after trying these steps.
- If you also have fever, sore throat, cough, or body aches — it could be something else.
Why Allergies Cause Fatigue
Allergy fatigue is an intense sense of tiredness and lack of energy often associated with the body’s reaction to allergens. This feeling of exhaustion is not merely a result of poor sleep quality due to common allergy symptoms.
The primary cause of allergy fatigue is the body’s immune response to allergens, which can be anything from dust mites and pet dander to pollen and certain foods. When the immune system identifies a harmless substance as a threat, it attacks it.
When the body encounters an allergen, it perceives it as a foreign invader and triggers an immune response to protect the body from invaders.
This immune response involves the production of antibodies known as immunoglobulin E, which bind to the allergen and signal the release of chemicals like histamine from certain cells in the body. Histamine, while crucial in the body’s defense mechanism, can lead to inflammation in the nasal tissues and other parts of the body. This bodily inflammation can cause a chain reaction of uncomfortable symptoms, including drowsiness and fatigue.
Seasonal allergies can also lead to fatigue due to the body’s efforts to fight off allergens, similar to how it fights off viruses. In addition, certain allergy medications, particularly antihistamines, can induce drowsiness and affect sleep quality, contributing to fatigue.
Persistent allergy fatigue can affect your daily life and productivity
Our specialists help you identify triggers and create a treatment plan so you can regain your energy.
Symptoms of Allergy Fatigue
Always Feeling Tired
- No matter how much you sleep, you still wake up exhausted.
- Your body is busy fighting allergens all the time, so you have less energy.
Brain Fog
- Hard to focus or remember things.
- Allergic sinusitis can make your sinuses swollen, which means less oxygen and more “foggy” thinking.
Breathing Issues
- Constant nasal congestion makes it tough to breathe through your nose.
- Stuffy nose at night can ruin your sleep and make you extra tired.
Sleep Apnea
- Sleep apnea can happen when allergies block your airways at night.
- You might stop breathing for a few seconds, wake up a lot, and never get deep sleep.
Weaker Immune System
- Your immune system is always fighting allergens.
- This can make it easier to catch colds or feel run down.
Runny or Stuffy Nose
- Constant sneezing or nose blowing.
- Postnasal drip that feels gross and keeps you up at night.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Allergy Fatigue
If you’re experiencing persistent fatigue from allergies, coupled with other common allergy symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider.
This fatigue, often referred to as allergy fatigue, can significantly impact your daytime energy levels, activity level, and overall quality of life. It’s not just a symptom of allergies but a sign that your body is constantly fighting off what it perceives as foreign invaders, such as allergens.
Identifying the Allergen Source
The first step in the diagnosis of allergy fatigue is identifying the specific allergen causing your annoying symptoms. This typically involves a common allergy test, which may be a skin prick test, blood test, or elimination diet, depending on the suspected allergen.
How to Reduce Exposure to Allergens
Once the allergen has been identified, the next step is to reduce your exposure to it. This may involve various strategies, depending on the allergen.
For instance, if you’re allergic to dust mites, you may be advised to use allergen-proof bed covers, wash bedding in hot water weekly, and remove carpeting from your bedroom.
Types of Medication to be Used
Various types of medication can be used to manage the symptoms of allergies and reduce fatigue. Antihistamines, which block the action of histamine, can help relieve unpleasant symptoms like sneezing, itching, and nasal congestion.
However, some over-the-counter antihistamines can cause drowsiness, so they should be taken with caution. Decongestants can help relieve nasal congestion, while corticosteroids can help reduce inflammation in the nasal passages. It’s important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate medication for your specific symptoms and needs.
Allergy Shots
For some individuals, allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, may be an effective treatment for allergy symptoms. This type of treatment is particularly beneficial for those with various types of allergies including seasonal allergies, food allergies, pet allergies, and dust mite allergies.
Allergy shots work by gradually exposing your body to increasing amounts of the allergen, which can help your immune system become less sensitive to it. This process, known as desensitization, can significantly reduce the severity of your allergic reaction over time.
At Penn Medicine Becker ENT & Allergy, our experts can conduct tests to identify the specific allergens causing your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment options for you. For those looking for an allergy clinic in Pennsylvania, we also serve areas such as Media, Springfield, Havertown, Bryn Mawr, Ardmore, Jenkintown, and Conshohocken. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Why Choose Us for Your Allergy Treatment?
Choosing the right allergy care can make a huge difference in how you feel every day. Here’s why people trust us to help them beat allergy fatigue and get their energy back:
- Expert Care: Our team knows allergies inside and out — from nasal congestion to allergic sinusitis and even sleep apnea.
- Personalized Plans: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Your treatment is built around your exact triggers and symptoms.
- Simple Testing: We make finding the root cause easy with quick, reliable allergy tests.
- Real Relief: From non-drowsy medications to long-term options like allergy shots, we focus on solutions that actually work.
- Friendly Support: We listen, we explain, and we make sure you feel comfortable every step of the way.
