Do Allergies Cause Vertigo
Yes, allergies can cause vertigo. But how? It all comes down to how allergies affect your ears, especially the middle ear.
✔ The Middle Ear and Eustachian Tubes: Your middle ear is connected to the back of your nose and throat by tiny tubes called Eustachian tubes. These tubes help equalize pressure in your ears and drain fluid.
✔ Allergy-Induced Inflammation: When you have allergies, your body produces extra mucus, which causes inflammation. This can block or narrow the Eustachian tubes.
✔ Fluid Buildup: If the Eustachian tubes are blocked, fluid can build up in the middle ear. This fluid can mess with your inner ear’s balance system, leading to dizziness or vertigo.
Your ears are like a delicate balancing system. When allergies cause inflammation and fluid buildup, it’s like throwing off that balance, making you feel dizzy or like you’re spinning.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 5% of patients referred to allergists experience dizziness or vertigo related to allergies, showing it’s a real but less common issue.
What Are Allergies and Vertigo?
Before we get into the connection, let’s make sure we’re clear on what allergies and vertigo are.
✔ Allergies: These happen when your immune system overreacts to harmless things like pollen, dust, pet dander, or certain foods. It releases chemicals like histamine, which cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, and congestion.
✔ Vertigo: This is a specific type of dizziness where you feel like you’re spinning or the world around you is spinning. It’s not just feeling lightheaded—it’s more intense and can make you feel nauseous or unsteady.
Symptoms to Watch For
If you suspect your allergies might be causing vertigo, here are some symptoms to look out for:
✔ Feeling like you’re spinning or the room is spinning (vertigo)
✔ Dizziness or lightheadedness
✔ Nausea or vomiting
✔ Difficulty with balance or walking straight
✔ Ringing in the ears (tinnitus)
✔ Fullness or pressure in the ears
These symptoms can come and go, often worsening when your allergies are acting up, like during pollen season.
Treating Allergy-Induced Vertigo
The good news is that treating your allergies can often help reduce or eliminate vertigo. Here are some ways to manage it:
✔ Avoid Allergens: Try to stay away from what triggers your allergies. This might mean keeping windows closed during pollen season, using air purifiers, or avoiding certain foods.
✔ Medications: Over-the-counter or prescription antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms. Nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone or triamcinolone can also reduce inflammation in the nasal passages and Eustachian tubes.
✔ Immunotherapy: If your allergies are severe, your doctor might suggest allergy shots or drops to help your body build tolerance to allergens over time.
✔ Treat the Vertigo Directly: In some cases, doctors might prescribe medications specifically for vertigo, like meclizine, to help with the dizziness. Preventing Allergy-Induced Vertigo
While treating allergies is key, preventing them in the first place can also help keep vertigo away. Here are some tips:
✔ Keep Your Home Allergy-Free: Use hypoallergenic bedding, wash linens in hot water, and use HEPA filters in your HVAC system or air purifiers.
✔ Monitor Pollen Counts: Check daily pollen counts and stay indoors when they’re high, especially on windy days.
✔ Wear a Mask: If you have to be outside during high pollen times, wearing a mask can help filter out allergens.
✔ Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin out mucus, making it easier to clear from your system.
✔ Eat a Healthy Diet: Incorporate anti-inflammatory foods like turmeric, ginger, and omega-3-rich fish into your diet to help reduce inflammation.
Don’t Let Allergies Control Your Life. Reach Out To Juniper Allergy Today
If you’re struggling with allergies or vertigo, you don’t have to go it alone. At Juniper Allergy, Dr. Amanda Trott-Gregorio has extensive experience treating a wide array of allergic conditions, from common seasonal allergies to more complex issues like asthma, food allergies, and even rare conditions like hereditary angioedema.
Whether you’re in San Antonio or the surrounding areas, Dr. Trott-Gregorio can help you find relief and get back to feeling your best.