Is Your Headache and Fatigue Caused By Seasonal Allergies?

Discovering if your headache and fatigue are the result of a seasonal allergy: a comprehensive guide

The Mystery of Adult Onset Allergies

It’s a common misconception that allergies are strictly a childhood affliction. Many are surprised to discover that new allergies can develop later in life – particularly between the ages of 20 and 40. Tolly Epstein, an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati who researches allergies and immunology, emphasizes this fact. Adult onset allergies are more common than you think.

Unmasking the Symptoms

The symptoms of allergies are not always obvious, especially to those who have never experienced them before. Common signs include sneezing, itchy eyes, or nasal congestion. Some people may also experience fatigue, headaches, or sinus pressure. Andrew Rorie, an assistant professor in Allergy and Immunology at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, advises that if you’ve recently developed a pollen allergy, you might also experience mouth itching after consuming certain fresh fruits and vegetables. This is because the immune system can sometimes confuse plant proteins with pollen proteins.

What Triggers the Onset of Seasonal Allergies?

Seasonal allergies are reactions to environmental elements such as pollen or mold spores. These allergens tend to swirl in the air during specific times, like in spring when plants pollinate. When you’re allergic to an element like pollen, your immune system perceives it as a threat and triggers a chain reaction upon exposure. Antibodies in your nose or lungs stimulate the release of chemicals like histamine, which can cause sneezing, runny nose, or congestion.

The exact reason why new allergies or symptoms develop is unclear, but there are several possible causes. Climate change, infections, and prolonged exposure to irritants such as pollen are among the potential triggers. Even hormonal fluctuations can impact a person’s allergic response. For instance, while some pregnant women may experience worsening allergy symptoms, others may see an improvement. Some menopausal women may have fewer allergy symptoms, possibly due to hormonal changes and the decrease of immune response with age.

Identifying and Managing Allergies

Sneezing and a runny nose during spring are not always due to allergies. An allergic reaction technically requires an immune system response. It’s possible that an irritant such as pollen or pollution triggers nasal inflammation without engaging the immune system. In such cases, allergy medications may not alleviate your symptoms, as noted by Caroline Sokol, a senior researcher at the Center for Immunology and Inflammatory Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital.

However, if medications work or you experience symptoms consistently on high pollen count days, it’s highly likely that you have a seasonal allergy. Over-the-counter antihistamines and steroid nasal sprays can help alleviate symptoms. Immunotherapies, such as allergy shots that gradually expose the person to allergens, are also offered by many allergists to decrease the body’s reaction.

Besides medication, “Simple measures can also minimize discomfort,” recommends Jonathan Spergel, head of the allergy program at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Washing your hands and face upon arriving home to remove any allergens, bathing before bed, and sleeping with the windows closed are a few such measures.