Everyone knows about the physical symptoms associated with seasonal allergies. Once the warm weather rolls back around, so too do the runny noses, sneezes, and watery eyes so closely connected with the spring season. For many people, however, the allergy symptom they find most difficult to overcome is inside their heads.
"Brain fog," or a cloudy, lethargic feeling that slows cognitive function, is extremely prevalent among individuals living with seasonal allergies. Read on to learn more about this hidden symptom and discover ways to regain mental clarity when the pollen counts are off the charts.
Where does 'brain fog' come from?
According to The New York Times' "Ask Well" column, the brain fog people experience during allergies is the same slow, tired sensation that individuals report when sick with the common cold. Dr. Mark Aronica, who works as an allergist with the Cleveland Clinic, explained to the source that both colds and allergies cause inflammation in the sinus area. This inflammation alerts the body's immune system, which then prompts the release of cytokines, a type of protein. Although cytokines are your body's way of battling irritants, they can also mitigate your mental clarity.
"These cytokines are there to help fight infection, and also have an impact on our ability to think and function and perform," Dr. Aronica explained to The New York Times. He added that brain fog can also be linked to exhaustion caused by physical allergy symptoms, which can impede the recommended eight hours of sleep individuals should aim for each night.
What's the impact of 'brain fog' on allergy patients' lives?
Although allergies manifest themselves similarly to common colds or viruses, they can last for an entire season, which means people can't just take a few days off to recuperate.
Living with constant brain fog can have a very real impact on the day-to-day lives of allergy sufferers. In adults, fatigue and mental fuzziness can lead to forgetfulness and decreased productivity. Among children, brain fog is linked to lower academic performance, reported Brain Balance. Additionally, a study from the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology found that young boys with histories of allergies and asthma were more likely to be diagnosed with attention-deficit disorder, also known as ADHD.
How can you fight the fog?
Fortunately, people with allergies don't need to spend their springs in a daze. By controlling physical symptoms, you can regain mental clarity and avoid the negative consequences of living with brain fog.
First, start checking the pollen counts in your area each morning. If it looks like the air will be filled with irritants, consider staying inside. If you do need to go out, take a shower and wash your clothes when you return home. If allergies are caused or exacerbated by animals, enjoy your furry friends from a distance.
For the strongest defense against mental exhaustion, use allergy prevention and allergy control products, including medicine and hypoallergenic bedding. These solutions can reduce or eradicate physical symptoms and help unburden your brain from allergy-induced fog.
