Common allergy symptoms may include:
itchiness in the eyes
sneezing, sniffing, and coughing
hives, which form a raised rash
heavy breathing through the mouth
wheezing and shortness of breath
headaches
coughing.
Severe symptoms may also include:
ear pain and ear infections
nose bleeding
gastrointestinal issues.
Although they are common, allergies can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may resemble other medical issues. There is not a specific cure for allergies, but treatment can minimize symptoms.
Allergy medications — called antihistamines — are designed to improve symptoms, but side effects include drowsiness that can interfere with daily activities and sleeping patterns.
The impact on mental health
Some researchers believe that the inflammatory substances that cause allergic reactions in the body may also affect the brain, playing a role in the development of depression and anxiety.
Similarly, for a person living with a mental health condition, symptoms of an allergic reaction may heighten levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.
A 2019 study from the Sackler Faculty of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University, Israel, and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, United Kingdom, among others, found that treated atopic eczema is associated with a 14% increase in the risk of developing depression and 17% in the risk of a later diagnosis of anxiety.
Its authors concluded that “[t]hese results highlight the importance of a comprehensive bio-psycho-social approach to limit common mental disorders in those with atopic eczema and could guide recommendations for the management of atopic eczema.”
Allergy symptoms involve an external and noticeable reaction from the body. Consequently, up to 53% of adults living with allergies avoid social interactions, which can lead to isolation and lower quality of life, according to recent survey data from Allergy UK.
Moreover, symptoms can interfere with regular sleep cycles contributing to physical fatigue and worsening mental health conditions.
According to the same survey from Allergy UK, 52% of people living with allergies felt the need to downplay symptoms due to fear of judgment from family, friends, or an employer leading to feelings of fear, isolation, and depression.
Parents of children with allergies also experience mental stressors, with 54% indicating they felt anxious about their children having a possible allergic reaction while dining outside the home.
For children, severe allergy symptoms can interfere with outdoor activities, while food allergies can trigger stressTrusted Source around peers in school and limit social encounters.
A 2016 studyTrusted Source examining the behavioral changes of children with allergic diseases concluded that “[t]he increasing number of allergic diseases with internalizing behaviors at age 7 years has substantial clinical implications,” as the children could develop anxiety or depression later in life.
A 2018 studyTrusted Source also found a strong correlation between seasonal allergies and mood disorders. A significant implication of this study is the need for early integrated care by referring and screening children and young adults with allergies for mental health conditions as a preventive measure.
Some communities may be less likely to have access to preventive care. Expanding research groups to include historically marginalized communities — who are less likely to manage allergic diseases by way of professional health care access — can shed light on the socioeconomic determinants that play a role in seeking and accessing the right treatment.
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