Chronic Stress Linked to Allergy Flares

Recent study results suggest that stress reduction may help to reduce the frequency of allergy flares. Amber Patterson, MD, and colleagues at Ohio State University analyzed 179 patients for 12-weeks in order to evaluate the relationship between perceived emotional stress, depressive mood, and allergy flares. During the study period 39% of participants had more than one allergy flare. Results showed that participants in this group had higher stress than those in the group who did not experience allergy symptoms. Although there were no significant findings between allergy flares and perceived stress on the same day, a number of sufferers reported allergy flares within days of increased daily stress. No relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and allergy flares. "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."