Can Allergies Cause Body Aches and Fatigue? (2023)

FAQs

Can you have fatigue and body aches with allergies? ›

Allergies can manifest a wide variety of symptoms, some more troublesome than others. Some of these symptoms, such as a runny nose or sneezing may be more obvious as a symptom of allergies, but other symptoms may not be so apparent. Body aches and fatigue are two common symptoms of allergies that often go undiagnosed.

Both seasonal and year-round allergies can cause fatigue. Getting tested by a board-certified allergist is the first step to finding relief.

A lack of sleep and constant nasal congestion can give you a hazy, tired feeling. Experts call this fatigue caused by allergies a “brain fog.” Brain fog can make it difficult to concentrate and carry out school, work, and daily activities.

Treating Body Aches Caused by Allergies

Taking allergy medications such as antihistamines is the first line of defense against an allergic reaction. If you're still experiencing pain, you can also take an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication.

Histamine can cause a variety of symptoms, including rash, headache, sneezing, runny nose and swelling — and in the case of food allergies, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If the allergen is something you breathe in, your reaction will probably affect your eyes, nose and lungs.

Yes, allergies and colds have similar symptoms, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing, which can also make you feel sick. You experience allergy symptoms when your immune system mistakes the environmental intervention and fights harmless particles like pollen or pet dander.

Seasonal allergies can lead to body aches along with more common symptoms, including watery eyes, a runny nose, and coughing and sneezing. That's because muscle aches and joint pain are part of the body's immune response to inflammation caused by your allergies.

Unlike viral infections, allergies rarely cause fever, chills, nausea or vomiting, or aches and pains. If you are experiencing any of these, it is more likely a viral infection and not an allergy. Treatment for allergies range from over-the-counter medications to a series of shots.

Allergies can cause symptoms that are very similar to a cold or flu, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing. However, allergies do not cause a fever. Because each allergy has a different underlying cause, it is essential that a person receives the right diagnosis, so that they can get the best treatment.

Do allergies get worse with age? ›

Allergies may simply worsen with age because you've been exposed to the triggers longer, Parikh says. "It takes repeated exposure to develop allergies. It can take a while for the immune system to decide it doesn't like that allergen."

Allergies can cause a lot of upper respiratory symptoms, much like a cold. You may have congestion and sneezing, but you'll likely also have watery or itchy eyes and itchy skin. You may feel tired, but not necessarily feel like you're sick. Colds and flu typically run their course within five to 10 days.

You have a viral or bacterial infection.

When chills are accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, body aches or fatigue, they're more likely associated with a systemic infection, such as flu or pneumonia.

If you're suffering from fatigue and constant headaches, it may be time to see a doctor. Headache could be a sign of a migraine disorder, sleep disorder, dehydration, or several other chronic illnesses. Fatigue is a common symptom of many conditions including depression, sleep disorders, and fibromyalgia.

One intriguing possibility, supported by previous research, is that the nerve fibers that carry signals of muscle pain back to the brain have histamine receptors that alter the sensitivity of the nerves—so the antihistamines make you feel less pain and soreness, regardless of the actual state of your muscles.

Allergies prompt your body to release chemicals that trigger inflammation. This alone can wear you out. But these so-called inflammatory mediators also pump up mucus production, causing congestion that can impair breathing and stifle sleep.

A cold often lasts 5-7 days in adults, although some may last as long as two or three weeks. You can treat seasonal allergies with antihistamines, nasal steroid sprays and decongestants. Avoid exposure to allergens where possible. Seasonal allergies may last several weeks.

Adding to the complexity of these conditions' relationship with the immune system, though, is that while allergies are not in themselves indicators of a weak immune system, ongoing allergies that are not treated effectively may serve to weaken the immune system over time.

There is currently no cure for allergies. However, there are OTC and prescription medications that may relieve symptoms. Avoiding allergy triggers or reducing contact with them can help prevent allergic reactions. Over time, immunotherapy may reduce the severity of allergic reactions.

Why are allergies worse at night? Allergies can get worse at night due to increased exposure to your allergy trigger, lying down, and being more aware of your symptoms. The most common allergies to get worse at night are those due to dust mites, pollen, mold, and pet dander.

How do you get rid of body aches? ›

The most common causes of muscle aches and pains are: Injury or trauma, including sprains and strains. Overuse including using a muscle too much, too soon before warming up, or too often. Tension or stress.

Often people with fibromyalgia have a number of things they are particularly sensitive to, such as allergies or sensitivity to light, noise, and/or smells. Exposure to the things you are sensitive to — like bright lights or strong perfumes — may trigger a fibro flare.

Both seasonal allergies and COVID-19 affect the respiratory system. That's why many symptoms of COVID-19 can feel a lot like seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms that they share: Runny or stuffy nose.

Seasonal allergies are immune system responses triggered by exposure to allergens, such as seasonal tree or grass pollens. COVID-19 and seasonal allergies cause many of the same symptoms.

Viral infections such as Covid-19

Infections can cause chills with or without a fever. Infectious viruses (and bacteria, but more on those in a moment) can act directly on your nervous system and indirectly influence it through protein molecules that tell neural cells that your body temperature is too low, says Dr.

Allergies can cause symptoms that are very similar to a cold or flu, such as a runny nose, sore throat, or sneezing. However, allergies do not cause a fever. Because each allergy has a different underlying cause, it is essential that a person receives the right diagnosis, so that they can get the best treatment.

Yes! It sounds strange but seasonal allergies can absolutely cause back, neck, and joint pain. The main reason for this is because allergies cause inflammation. This inflammation is caused by your body trying to rid itself of the allergens causing the reaction.

Both seasonal allergies and COVID-19 affect the respiratory system. That's why many symptoms of COVID-19 can feel a lot like seasonal allergy symptoms. Here are some of the symptoms that they share: Runny or stuffy nose.

What are ways to determine if I have allergies or COVID-19? ›

Patients with allergies do not develop a fever. Often, people with COVID-19 do. Patients with allergies may also have asthma, which can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and wheezing. COVID-19 typically does not cause wheezing.

A runny or stuffy nose, cough, tiredness, even shortness of breath and a lack of smell/taste can occur in both allergies and COVID-19. But a cough from COVID-19 is typically dry, whereas in allergies, a cough is wet and usually more sneeze-like. A stuffy nose from allergies can cause loss of taste/smell.

The only ache you may feel with allergies is a headache from all that congestion. Allergies can cause a sore throat if there's enough irritation from post-nasal drip and coughing, but if you're experiencing a sore throat or mild body aches, they're more likely a sign of a bad cold.

In people with allergies, a partial decrease in smell may arise due to a stuffy nose. However, it is not as intense and long lasting as with COVID. Additionally, with allergies, one is likely to experience itchy and watery eyes, which is not common with Omicron symptoms.