From the Guidelines
Allergies can indeed cause fatigue, as they can lead to sleep dysfunction and daytime tiredness due to nasal congestion and other symptoms. According to a study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology 1, nasal congestion can contribute to sleep dysfunction, leading to daytime fatigue and decreased performance. This is particularly relevant for athletes, as exercise-induced rhinitis can adversely affect athletic performance in individuals with allergic rhinitis.
Some key points to consider when managing allergy-related fatigue include:
- Reducing exposure to allergens, such as keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons and using air purifiers
- Using non-sedating antihistamines, such as second-generation H1-antihistamines, which are less likely to cause drowsiness
- Considering intranasal corticosteroids, which are allowed by the USOC and can be effective in managing allergic rhinitis symptoms
- Avoiding first-generation antihistamines, which can have undesirable sedative and anticholinergic effects
It's essential to note that the optimal therapy for individuals with symptomatic allergic rhinitis consists of aggressive allergen avoidance, frequently in combination with second-generation H1-antihistamines and/or intranasal corticosteroids, as stated in the study 1. By managing allergy symptoms effectively, individuals can reduce their risk of fatigue and improve their overall quality of life.
From the Research
Allergies and Fatigue
- There are no direct research papers provided that specifically investigate the relationship between allergies and fatigue.
- However, some studies mention symptoms related to allergic rhinitis, such as nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat 2.
- These symptoms may lead to discomfort, sleep disturbances, or other related issues that could potentially cause fatigue, but this is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of various treatments for allergic rhinitis, such as antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some treatments, like sedating antihistamines, may cause drowsiness or fatigue as a side effect, but this is not the same as allergies directly causing fatigue 6.