Dizziness is a common symptom and side effect of many other conditions. One that may surprise you is allergies. We review the connection between allergies and dizziness in this post.
What Causes Allergies?
Your immune system works to protect your body from diseases, viruses and infections. But for those with allergies, their immune systems mistake harmless substances like foods, medications, dust mites, mold spores or pollen found at Eagan Central Park on Central Parkway as dangerous intruders. An allergic reaction occurs when your body is exposed to one of these harmless substances, known as an allergen, and your immune system overreacts.
To fight off the intruder, your immune system releases antibodies called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which tells your cells to release histamine. Histamine triggers mucus production and inflammation, causing your allergy symptoms.
How Are Allergies & Dizziness Linked?
Inflammation caused by an allergic reaction can occur throughout your body, including in your ears, which is where your balance system is located. More specifically, your Eustachian tubes can become inflamed.
Your Eustachian tubes are the passageways between the middle ear and the back of the throat. They allow fluid to drain from the middle ears and air pressure to equalize between your middle ears and your environment. Inflammation of the Eustachian tubes can cause fluid to become trapped in the middle ear, throwing off your balance.
How Can I Treat My Dizziness Caused by Allergies?
According to one study published in the journal Otolaryngologic Clinics of North America, “Allergy immunotherapy and/or an elimination diet for diagnosed food allergies have been found to be effective treatments.”
Allergy immunotherapy is a long-term solution for treating your allergies. It works by introducing small amounts of allergens into your body so that your immune system can build up a tolerance to them over time. After three to five years of treatment, the goal is to be symptom-free.
There are two forms of immunotherapy, subcutaneous (allergy shots) and sublingual (allergy drops). Shots must be administered in an allergist’s office, while drops can be administered at home after the first dose.
To learn more about allergy immunotherapy or to be evaluated for your dizziness, call Midwest Ear, Nose & Throat Specialists today.