From the Guidelines
Yes, allergies can cause fatigue, as they can disrupt sleep and trigger immune responses that require energy, leading to tiredness. Allergies can lead to a range of symptoms, including congestion, rhinorrhea, sneezing, and itching, which can significantly affect a patient's quality of life and be associated with conditions such as fatigue, headache, cognitive impairment, and sleep disturbance 1. The immune responses triggered by allergens, such as the release of histamine, can require energy and lead to fatigue. Additionally, allergies can disrupt sleep through congestion, coughing, or breathing difficulties, resulting in poor sleep quality and daytime tiredness.
Some key points to consider when managing allergy-related fatigue include:
- Reducing exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers, and regularly cleaning your living space can help decrease allergy symptoms and associated tiredness.
- Using non-sedating antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec), fexofenadine (Allegra), or loratadine (Claritin) can help manage allergy symptoms without causing drowsiness.
- Taking medications at night might help minimize daytime fatigue.
- Intranasal corticosteroids and second-generation H1-antihistamines can be effective in managing allergic rhinitis, especially in athletes who require optimal physical performance 2.
- Immunotherapy may provide help for those with allergic rhinitis not responding adequately to avoidance and medication.
It's essential to note that the management of allergy-related fatigue should prioritize the use of non-sedating medications and allergen avoidance strategies to minimize the impact on daily activities and quality of life. The optimal therapy for managing allergy-related fatigue consists of aggressive allergen avoidance, non-sedating antihistamines, and/or intranasal corticosteroids.
From the Research
Allergies and Fatigue
- Allergic rhinitis is a common disease that can affect the quality of life of millions of people, but there is limited direct evidence on its relationship with fatigue 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- However, some studies suggest that allergic rhinitis can lead to symptoms such as sleep disturbances and daytime sleepiness, which can contribute to fatigue 6.
- For example, a study comparing the efficacy of a steroid nasal spray with an antihistamine nasal spray in the treatment of perennial allergic rhinitis found that the topical nasal corticosteroid improved sleep and reduced daytime sleepiness 6.
- Another study found that desloratadine, a new H1-receptor antagonist, reduced nasal congestion in patients with intermittent allergic rhinitis, which can also contribute to fatigue 7.
- While these studies do not directly address the relationship between allergies and fatigue, they suggest that allergic rhinitis can have a significant impact on quality of life and may contribute to fatigue indirectly through symptoms such as sleep disturbances and nasal congestion 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
Treatment Options
- Treatment options for allergic rhinitis include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and immunotherapy 3, 4, 5.
- Pharmacologic options include oral and intranasal antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids, oral and intranasal decongestants, oral and intranasal anticholinergics, and leukotriene receptor antagonists 3, 4, 5.
- Second-generation oral antihistamines and intranasal corticosteroids are the mainstays of treatment, with practice guidelines recommending intranasal corticosteroids as first-line treatment for moderate to severe allergic rhinitis 3, 4.
Symptoms of Allergic Rhinitis
- Allergic rhinitis typically presents with symptoms of nasal congestion, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, sneezing, and itching of the eyes, nose, and throat 4.
- Patients with nonallergic rhinitis present primarily with nasal congestion and postnasal drainage frequently associated with sinus pressure, ear plugging, muffled sounds and pain, and eustachian tube dysfunction that is less responsive to nasal corticosteroids 4.