Freeing your mind of stress can reduce allergy fare-ups, a new study found.
Spring is a season of allergies. With weather changes and blossoms in full swing, people with allergies have frequent flare-ups. Researchers of a new study found that allergy sufferers with persistent stress experience more reactions. For such people, reducing stress can also bring down the frequency of allergic reactions.
"Stress can cause several negative effects on the body, including causing more symptoms for allergy sufferers," said allergist Amber Patterson, MD, lead study author and ACAAI member in a press statement. "Our study also found those with more frequent allergy flares also have a greater negative mood, which may be leading to these flares."
Ohio State University researchers examined 179 patients for 12 weeks. Thirty one percent of these patients had more than one allergy reaction during the study period. Among this group 64 percent had more than four episodes over two 14-days periods.
Researchers found that this group had higher stress than the group without allergy symptoms
A number of sufferers reported allergy flares within days of increased daily stress, though researchers were not able to determine any significant findings between allergy flares and stress on the same days.
"Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers, and may even be the root of stress for some," said Dr. Patterson. "While alleviating stress won't cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms."
Mediation, deep breathing, listening to music, yoga and getting adequate sleep are great ways to reduce stress. A recent study found that excess stress can give you frequent and more intense headaches.
"Allergy sufferers can also alleviate stress and allergy symptoms by seeing their board-certified allergist," said allergist James Sublett, MD, ACAAI president-elect. "An allergist will help you develop an action plan with ways to avoid allergy triggers and what treatment will be best for your individual needs."
The new study was published in the April issue of Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology
