By David Volpi, M.D., P.C., F.A.C.S.
As a practicing otolaryngology surgeon for more than twenty years at New York’s finest teaching hospitals, I’ve seen firsthand the effect that the mind can have on the body. That’s why I wasn’t surprised to read a recent study claiming that persistent stress can worsen allergy symptoms.
The study, which was published in the April issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), made the point that stress doesn't cause allergies, but avoiding it and staying calm can reduce allergy flare-ups this spring.
Stress doesn’t cause allergies, but easing your mind might mean less allergy flare-ups this spring. According to a study, allergy sufferers with persistent stress experience more allergy flares.
For the study, researchers from The Ohio State University analyzed 179 patients for 12 weeks. While stress doesn’t cause allergy symptoms, the researchers found that almost 40 percent of the people they studied experienced more than one allergy flare, and that this same group claimed to have higher stress levels than the group that did not experience any allergy symptoms. Among the allergy sufferers, 64 percent had more than four flares over two 14 day periods.
The researchers did not find a concrete connection that stress can cause an allergy flare up on the same day, however, some of the allergy sufferers said that they had allergy flare-ups within days of experiencing an increase in daily stress.
Amber Patterson, MD, allergist, lead study author and a member of the ACAAI explains, "Stress can cause several negative effects on the body, including causing more symptoms for allergy sufferers. Our study also found those with more frequent allergy flares also have a greater negative mood, which may be leading to these flares."
Patterson also said that, "Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers, and may even be the root of stress for some. While alleviating stress won't cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms."
Here are some ways that allergy sufferers can help reduce stress and potentially their allergy symptoms:
• Deep breathing and meditation
• Reducing or eliminating known stressors in your life
• Taking time to relax and de-stress from work and other responsibilities
• Eating healthy and getting enough sleep and exercise
• Reducing or eliminating toxins such as cigarettes and alcohol
• Asking for help whether from a social worker, family member, or colleague
If you have persistent symptoms, it’s important to determine if you have allergies or a more severe condition such as a sinus infection. A qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment program based on your individual needs.
Read the full study.
The study, which was published in the April issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology, the scientific journal of the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI), made the point that stress doesn't cause allergies, but avoiding it and staying calm can reduce allergy flare-ups this spring.
Stress doesn’t cause allergies, but easing your mind might mean less allergy flare-ups this spring. According to a study, allergy sufferers with persistent stress experience more allergy flares.
For the study, researchers from The Ohio State University analyzed 179 patients for 12 weeks. While stress doesn’t cause allergy symptoms, the researchers found that almost 40 percent of the people they studied experienced more than one allergy flare, and that this same group claimed to have higher stress levels than the group that did not experience any allergy symptoms. Among the allergy sufferers, 64 percent had more than four flares over two 14 day periods.
The researchers did not find a concrete connection that stress can cause an allergy flare up on the same day, however, some of the allergy sufferers said that they had allergy flare-ups within days of experiencing an increase in daily stress.
Amber Patterson, MD, allergist, lead study author and a member of the ACAAI explains, "Stress can cause several negative effects on the body, including causing more symptoms for allergy sufferers. Our study also found those with more frequent allergy flares also have a greater negative mood, which may be leading to these flares."
Patterson also said that, "Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers, and may even be the root of stress for some. While alleviating stress won't cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms."
Here are some ways that allergy sufferers can help reduce stress and potentially their allergy symptoms:
• Deep breathing and meditation
• Reducing or eliminating known stressors in your life
• Taking time to relax and de-stress from work and other responsibilities
• Eating healthy and getting enough sleep and exercise
• Reducing or eliminating toxins such as cigarettes and alcohol
• Asking for help whether from a social worker, family member, or colleague
If you have persistent symptoms, it’s important to determine if you have allergies or a more severe condition such as a sinus infection. A qualified ear, nose, and throat doctor can provide a proper diagnosis and develop a treatment program based on your individual needs.
Read the full study.
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