Dizziness

When the feeling of dizziness overtakes you due to your allergies, the experience can be unsettling.

While you might not think your allergies could cause the disorientation, allergens do cause your body to respond, and this usually inflames the blood vessels in tissues from the throat to the nose — and even the tube of your ear, which helps the body maintain balance.

Symptoms & Causes

Dizziness can present associated symptoms such as weakness; confusion; dry mouth; pain in your chest, eyes, or head; tiredness; and lack of balance. The symptoms of vertigo are similar, but the sensation is more akin to stepping off a merry-go-round after spinning for a while. This is caused by the eustachian tube swelling anytime you come into contact with a particular allergen or trigger. It’s a good idea to see a doctor at the first signs of dizziness or vertigo, as they might be a sign of a serious heart condition or other health problem.

Diagnosis & Treatment

When you see your physician, she or he may ask you a few questions, give you a physical exam, and take your vital signs, such as heart rate and blood pressure. In some cases, the doctor may want to look at the make-up of your blood to see if your dizziness is a sign of a larger condition. If your condition is severe due to dehydration or shortness of breath, you may be given oxygen or IV fluids. However, if an allergy skin test or blood test shows your allergies likely caused the dizziness, then your doctor may refer you to an allergist or provide information about how to treat the symptoms. Many of the tips are similar to other allergy-related ENT problems: nasal sprays, antihistamines, and over-the-counter medicine like Benadryl.

Prevention

If you feel dizzy, sit down right away. Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco are good prevention tips. Make sure to stand up slowly after lying down for a while. Most important is to avoid the allergens you are vulnerable to. Consider installing an air filter in your home or using an air purifier to filter pollen, dust, and dander.