Allergies are common. And there are many substances that people can be allergic to, including dust, pollen, mold, grass, pet hair and food. Some allergies occur year-round, while others are seasonal. Treating allergies requires a multidisciplinary approach that involves medications, avoiding triggers and even managing stress. To fully control allergy symptoms, it is important to understand how stress affects allergies and what steps can be taken to bring stress levels down.
Identification
The body's immune system is designed to protect it against foreign invaders that can make it sick. When a substance the immune system does not recognize as "self" enters the body, the immune system sets out to eliminate it. In some cases, however, the immune system produces antibodies called Immunoglobulin E, or IgE. This is an overreaction of the immune system that causes it to initiate an attack against certain substances, states the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Each IgE is specific to a certain substance. Some react to cat hair, some to grass, some to mold and so forth. The exact reason allergic reactions occur in some people and not in others is still not well understood.
The Stress Response
Another process in the body that is designed to protect it from danger is the stress response, or the fight or flight response. If the brain perceives a danger that is about to occur, such as a car accident, a chain of events takes place to help the body cope. According to MayoClinic.com, various hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol are released, which increases blood flow to the muscles and brain so the body can react quickly. Other functions, such as the immune system and digestive system, are slowed to help conserve energy. When the threat is over, the body should return to a relaxed state. However, if low or chronic levels of stress are constantly present, the body may always be in a state of activation. Over time this can have many health effects, including making allergies worse.
Considerations
Chronic stress may eventually affect how well the immune system functions. The American Psychological Association warns that stress can cause the hormones that normally "turn off" the immune system response to not function properly. This may make the body even more sensitive to substances that it is allergic to. Adding to this, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases claims that while stress does not cause allergies, it can be a trigger for symptoms and make existing symptoms worse.
Solution
While much more research is needed, the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology recommends trying stress management, biofeedback and hypnosis to help reduce the occurrence of attacks and lessen the severity of attacks when they do occur. Keeping daily stress levels low may curb future attacks. Should an attack occur, using a stress management technique may help the body gain control over breathing and cope better with the symptoms. Not all patients respond in the same way, so it might be necessary to try a few techniques to find the one that works best.
Stress Management
Stress management can take many forms. It can involve simply pausing to calm the mind and focus on breathing deeply or using a technique such as guided imagery. Guided imagery is when a person imagines herself to be in a relaxing place or visualizes the allergy symptoms calming. Autogenic training or biofeedback can be used to make mental "suggestions" to the body that immune system activity is returning to normal and symptoms are resolving. Taking a walk or practicing yoga or tai chi can turn into a form of moving meditation. No matter what method is used, the goal is to shift the mind away from worrisome thoughts so that the body receives signals that there is no need to activate the stress response.
References
- American Academy of Allergy Asthma and Immunology: Tips to Remember: Allergic Reactions
- MayoClinic.com: Stress: Win Control Over the Stress in Your Life
- American Psychological Association: Chronic Stress Can Interfere With Normal Function of the Immune System, Suggests New Research
- National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases: Allergies
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Alternative Therapies
