The Link Between Seasonal Allergies and Depression

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Allergies caused by pollen and other allergens affect 40 million Americans each year, and collectively, people in the US spend more than one billion dollars on treatments annually. An allergy is a short-term inflammation of the mucous membranes that line the nasal passages, produced when a person comes into contact with something that your immune system thinks is infectious. Allergy symptoms range from mild discomfort to debilitating head and chest congestion that can make it difficult to engage in normal daily activities.

Causes and Symptoms of Allergic Reactions

In the spring and fall, many plants produce pollens that may cause reactions in individuals with particular allergic sensitivities. These types of allergies are known as "seasonal allergies" because they only occur during certain times of the year.
 
Airborne pollen or mold spores enter the body through the eyes, nose or throat, producing a reaction if you are sensitive to those items. Many people have immune systems that ignore these particles, but if you suffer from allergies, your body thinks these microscopic particles are invaders, like germs. Your body therefore reacts by producing histamines and other chemicals to combat them. Your throat may constrict in an attempt to keep out these particles, and you may begin sneezing – your body’s way to rid itself of these foreign invaders.
 
Allergies produce a number of symptoms, which can vary in severity, including:
  • congestion
  • coughing
  • eye irritation
  • runny nose
  • sneezing.
If you are allergic to certain airborne pollens, the symptoms usually present before age 20, but can also show up later in life.
 
It is interesting to note that allergies may be genetic. People with allergies usually have others in their families with similar allergies.

Allergies and Your Mood

Some allergy symptoms affect a person’s mood. While these symptoms are less common, allergies can affect your demeanor by overwhelming you with:
  • a general feeling of sadness
  • brain fog
  • fatigue
  • irritability
  • lack of interest
  • mental fatigue
  • moodiness
  • sleep deprivation.
Doctors have known about "allergy blues," or allergy-related depression, for years, but are just now beginning to research the numbers and statistics to prove a connection. Compared to non-depressed people, patients with clinical depression are found to have much higher rates of allergic disorders.
 
Current studies pinpoint a connection between chemicals released in the brain during an allergy attack and depression. Conclusions are scattered, however, because of the "chicken or egg" argument. For example, is depression caused because people are stressed out about dealing with their seasonal allergies? Or does depression shut down the immune system down, causing allergies? Conclusions have yet to be drawn, but the fact remains that allergies can severely affect a person’s mood.

Help Yourself Deal with Seasonal Allergies

Depression can be a serious side effect of allergies, crippling people emotionally and mentally. For some, having to stay indoors instead of enjoying the spring time blooms and sunshine makes matters worse.
 
Over-the-counter allergy medications are available to ease discomfort. Antihistamines can stop itching and sneezing, and decongestants alleviate congestion. Allergy shots are also available for severe cases. Relieving the discomfort of allergies may relieve symptoms of depression as well.
 
Alternatively, several natural herbs and folk remedies may be helpful in the treatment of allergic reactions. Nettle is a folk remedy that is considered very safe and has been known to reduce allergy symptoms. Acupuncturists use acupressure to determine which allergens affect the patient and train the body to accept the allergen through energy manipulation.
 
If you have suffered from allergies and think you may also be depressed, talk to your doctor. Whether it is a chemical reaction caused by your own body in response to the allergen, the medication you are taking, or lack of sleep because you are uncomfortable, allergies can be debilitating. Your doctor is a good source of information and help to get you through the ordeal.
 
Resources
 
Marcus, M. B. (n.d.). Seasonal allergies could spark depression, fatigue. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from the USA Today Web site: http://usatoday.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=spt&tritle=Seasonal+allergies+could+spark+depression.
 
PDR Health. (n.d.). Seasonal allergies. Retrieved March 22, 2009, from the PDR Health Web site: http://www.pdrhealth.com/disease/printview/disease-mono-print.aspx?contentFileName=B.
 
Wong, M. (2009).How can I prevent and treat seasonal allergies? Retrieved March 22, 2009, from the Find Articles Web site: http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_mONAH/is_6_34/ai_n6048188.
 
Yager, J. (2002). Are allergies bad for your mood? Retrieved March 22, 2009, from the Journal Watch Web site: http://psychiatry.jwatch.org/cgi/content/full/2002/918/1.