How does stress affect allergies?
February 10, 2022 | 35,00 EUR | answered by Petra Netz
Dear Doctor,
My name is Mia Bergmann and I have been suffering from various allergies for some time now. Lately, I have noticed that my symptoms are particularly severe when I am stressed. I wonder if there is a connection between stress and my allergies and how stress affects my symptoms.
I have noticed that my allergic reactions such as skin rashes, itching, and sneezing occur more frequently when I am stressed or anxious. Especially in stressful situations, such as during work or conflicts, my symptoms worsen. I am concerned that stress could worsen my allergies and I wonder if there are ways to reduce this connection.
Can you explain to me how stress affects allergies and why my symptoms become stronger in stressful situations? Are there specific mechanisms in the body that can explain this connection? What measures can I take to reduce my stress and therefore alleviate my allergic reactions? Are there specific relaxation techniques or medications that could help me in this regard?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with information and advice on this topic. I hope that you can help me better understand my allergies and suggest possible solutions to deal with the impact of stress on my symptoms.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Sincerely,
Mia Bergmann
Dear Mrs. Bergmann,
Thank you for your message and your trust in my expertise in the field of allergology. It is very interesting that you have noticed a connection between your stress level and your allergic symptoms. In fact, there are numerous studies that show a link between stress and the severity of allergic reactions.
Stress affects the body in various ways and can influence the immune system. In stressful situations, the body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger various reactions in the body. These hormones can lead to increased inflammation in the body and promote the release of histamine, a messenger substance involved in allergic reactions. This can result in intensified allergic symptoms such as rashes, itching, and sneezing.
It is therefore not surprising that you notice an exacerbation of your allergic symptoms in stressful situations. To reduce this connection, it is important to take measures to reduce stress. There are various relaxation techniques that can help you lower your stress level. These include progressive muscle relaxation, autogenic training, yoga, meditation, or breathing exercises. These techniques can help your body better cope with stress and thus alleviate your allergic reactions.
In addition to relaxation techniques, a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce stress. This includes sufficient exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and social interaction. It is important to listen to your body and find out which measures work best for you in coping with stress.
If you continue to suffer from severe allergic symptoms despite these measures, it is advisable to consult an allergist. Together with your doctor, you can discuss possible treatment options that can help you control your allergies.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and that you find a way to manage the impact of stress on your allergic symptoms. If you have any further questions, I am happy to assist.
Best regards,
Petra Netz
