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Allergic Rhinitis & Dizziness
Although dizziness is not one of the first signs or symptoms of allergic rhinitis, it can easily affect someone suffering from hay fever 12. Hay fever is a chronic allergy condition that is caused by airborne allergens such as pollen from trees, weed or grass, according to MedlinePlus. Allergic rhinitis primarily affects the sinuses and eyes and can in return affect the throat, the head and the inner ear 12. Talk with a doctor if dizziness persists.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Identification
Allergic rhinitis, or hay fever, affects one in five people in America with cold-like symptoms, such as:
When someone with allergic rhinitis inhales or comes into direct contact with an allergen, the immune system overreacts, causing nasal inflammation and eye irritation 12.
Cause
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Health.com states that the primary reason for dizziness as a result of allergic rhinitis is the blockage of the eustachian tubes 12. The eustachian tubes allow fluid to drain from the ears into the throat. During an episode of hay fever, the tubes can easily become blocked, causing fluid to build up in the ear. This is the result of inflamed sinuses placing excessive pressure on the ears and surrounding areas.
- Health.com states that the primary reason for dizziness as a result of allergic rhinitis is the blockage of the eustachian tubes 1.
- During an episode of hay fever, the tubes can easily become blocked, causing fluid to build up in the ear.
Effect
The result of the eustachian tubes being blocked can affect a person’s equilibrium, the portion of the ear that promotes balance, according to Health.com. When a person's equilibrium is affected, he will feel off balance or dizzy. Dizziness can lead to vomiting and the inability to function normally. If dizziness affects the person’s ability to perform normal tasks, he should seek medical assistance.
- The result of the eustachian tubes being blocked can affect a person’s equilibrium, the portion of the ear that promotes balance, according to Health.com.
Treatment
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Treating dizziness from allergic rhinitis begins with treating the allergic reaction 12. Hay fever is treated by avoiding allergens, such as dust, mold and pollen, according to MayoClinic.com 3. Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, pain relievers and decongestants can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, according to MedlinePlus 12. An antihistamine blocks the body’s ability to produce histamine, the chemical that causes allergic reactions; it will also reduce the amount of fluid in the ears, providing relief to the dizziness. Talk with a doctor before taking any medication.
Warning
Dizziness may be a sign of a more serious condition. Have a doctor evaluate the signs and symptoms to make a professional diagnosis. If the ear is painful or oozing discharge, seek medical attention. These can be signs of an ear infection or ruptured ear drum.
- Dizziness may be a sign of a more serious condition.
Related Articles
References
- MedlinePlus: Allergic Rhinitis
- Health.com: Allergic Rhinitis
- MayoClinic.com: Hay Fever
- Degirmenci PB, Kirmaz C, Oz D, et al. Allergic rhinitis and its relationship with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Am J Rhinol Allergy. 2015 Jul-Aug;29(4):257-61. doi:10.2500/ajra.2015.29.4189
- Amino N, Hidaka Y, Takano T, Izumi Y, Tatsumi KI, Nakata Y. Association of seasonal allergic rhinitis is high in Graves' disease and low in painless thyroiditis. Thyroid. 2003;13(8):811-4. doi:10.1089/105072503768499699
- Bozek A, Kolodziejczyk, Bednarski P. The relationship between autoimmunity and specific immunotherapy for allergic diseases. Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2015 Dec;11(12):2764-8. doi:10.1080/21645515.2015.1087627
- Kuna P, Jurkiewicz D, Czarnecka-Operacz MM. et al. The role and choice criteria of antihistamines in allergy management – expert opinion. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2016 Dec;33(6):397-410. doi:10.5114/pdia.2016.63942
- Molnar I, Kelemen E, Somogyine-Vari E. The prevalence and characteristics of allergy in autoimmune thyroid diseases. J Clin Cell Immunol. 2015 Mar;6:306. doi:10.4172/2155-9899.1000306
Writer Bio
Diane Marks started her writing career in 2010 and has been in health care administration for more than 30 years. She holds a registered nurse license from Citizens General Hospital School of Nursing, a Bachelor of Arts in health care education from California University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Science in health administration from the University of Pittsburgh.