The Connection Between Stress and Allergy Flare-Ups
Reviewed by Adam Gardner, Licensed Pharmacist & COO of TelyRx
Table of Contents
Did you know that more than 100 million people in the U.S. experience various types of allergies each year? According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), nearly 1 in 3 adults and more than 1 in 4 children deal with seasonal allergies, eczema, or food allergies.
While allergens themselves trigger symptoms, both emotional and physical stress can make those flare-ups worse. Stress doesn’t cause allergies on its own, but it can influence how your body responds to allergens and how intensely you experience symptoms.
For those of us with chronic allergic conditions, managing stress may play a supportive role in keeping symptoms under control.
Let’s face it, today’s fast-paced lifestyle doesn’t make avoiding stress easy. Work deadlines, financial pressures, social obligations, and even digital overload can all contribute to our stress levels rising.
When this type of stress becomes a regular part of life, it influences more than just your mood; it may also interfere with how your body manages chronic conditions like allergies. Let’s look at what the research says about the relationship between stress and allergy flare-ups.
what the research says about stress and the immune system
When your body perceives a threat, whether it’s physical danger or psychological stress, it activates your sympathetic nervous system, releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones are meant to help you respond quickly, but when they’re constantly activated, they can have some not-so-great long-term impacts.
Long-term stress has been shown to interfere with the regulation of the immune system, increasing your susceptibility to inflammatory conditions, including allergies. A study published in Pubmed found that individuals under perceived stress or experiencing negative emotions had more frequent allergy flare-ups.
Other findings have shown that psychological stress may exacerbate conditions like asthma and atopic dermatitis by increasing the release of inflammatory mediators from mast cells.
Additional studies have discovered that people who experienced repeated stressful events over two weeks had higher levels of inflammatory markers associated with allergic responses. These inflammatory markers, including cytokines, play a role in how the immune system reacts to perceived threats, including allergens.
Not everyone with allergies experiences worsened symptoms under stress, but many do report a noticeable difference during particularly stressful periods.
how stress might worsen allergy symptoms
Stress affects the immune system in multiple ways, some of which may directly influence allergy symptoms:
- Histamine response – Stress may increase histamine release, the chemical responsible for allergy symptoms like itching, sneezing, and inflammation.
- Inflammation – Chronic stress can lead to a low-grade, systemic inflammatory state, which may intensify allergic reactions.
- Impaired regulation – Stress disrupts immune balance, reducing your body’s ability to regulate allergic responses.
- Poor sleep – Stress and anxiety can reduce sleep quality, making it harder to recover and increasing sensitivity to allergens.
This creates a frustrating loop: allergy symptoms disrupt your routine, cause fatigue, and increase discomfort, which then adds to your stress and may lead to further flare-ups.
Some people also experience increased sensitivity to irritants during stress, even if those irritants aren’t allergens themselves. For example, exposure to smoke, fragrances, or cold air might feel more intense when you’re already stressed out.
the mind-body connection in allergy management
While allergies are primarily physical, your brain and body are closely linked. Your nervous system, immune system, and endocrine system all communicate through a network of signals that can affect how you respond to stress—and to allergens.
One example is the vagus nerve, which plays a key role in calming the body after stress. When vagal tone is low, as it often is during periods of chronic stress, your body may remain in a prolonged “fight or flight” state, making it harder to regulate inflammation and immune responses.
Research on practices like mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) suggests these approaches may help modulate the immune system by calming the stress response.
The National Library of Medicine published a study that found mindfulness mediation appears to be associated with reductions in proinflammatory processes, increases in cell-mediated defense parameters, and increases in enzyme activity that guards against cell aging.
In simpler terms, mindfulness may help calm the body’s inflammatory response, boost your natural defenses, and even protect your cells from premature aging—all of which could help manage allergy symptoms.
While these strategies aren’t a replacement for medical treatment, they can offer supportive benefits, especially when used alongside a consistent allergy relief plan.
recognizing allergy flare-ups during stressful periods
Many of us notice our symptoms get worse during or after stressful events. Some common situations could be:
- Work or school deadlines
- Travel or disrupted routines
- Illness
- Emotional stress or sleep deprivation
- Relationship difficulties or grief
If your allergy symptoms seem worse than usual without a clear environmental trigger, consider whether stress might be playing a role. Keeping a symptom journal can help you identify patterns. Record what you were doing, eating, and feeling when symptoms spiked. Over time, this can help you and your provider better manage your care.
It may also be helpful to record sleep quality, mood, and any medications you’re taking. This can help you determine whether it’s time to adjust your allergy treatment or focus on better stress management techniques like mindfulness, exercise, or improved sleep routines.
how to manage allergies during high-stress times
Managing allergy symptoms while juggling our stress points can feel difficult, but it’s doable. Here are some simple ways to stay on top of allergy symptoms during hectic times:
- Stick to your treatment plan. Take allergy medications as prescribed, even when you’re busy or feeling better temporarily.
- Avoid skipping medication doses. Use alarms, apps, or sticky notes to remind yourself.
- Control your environment. If you manage seasonal allergies, keep windows closed, use air purifiers with HEPA filters, and clean frequently to reduce allergens indoors.
- Stay hydrated and well-rested. Water helps to thin mucus, and quality sleep strengthens your immune response.
- Avoid known triggers. If you know you’re sensitive to pollen or pet dander, limit exposure during stressful times to prevent stacking potential factors.
- Incorporate gentle stress-reduction activities. Deep breathing exercises, short walks, or calming hobbies can help lower your body’s baseline stress response.
getting allergy relief without added stress
During stressful times, managing allergies shouldn’t be another source of frustration. TelyRx offers a convenient way to access prescription allergy medications; no need for in-person visits or video chats.
The process is straightforward: create an account, submit pertinent information for the medication you need, and a licensed provider will review your information. If appropriate, your prescription will be approved and shipped directly to your door. It really is that simple.
take control of allergies, even during stressful times
Stress is a normal part of life, but that doesn’t mean your allergy symptoms have to spiral out of control with it. Simple steps like controlling your environment, practicing mindfulness, and ensuring you have prescription allergy medications on hand can help you stay focused on what matters, without letting stress and allergy flare-ups derail your day.
Take the first step toward better allergy management—without adding another stressful task to your day. Your body (and mind) will thank you!
Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The content provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, consultation, or care from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the guidance of your physician or another licensed health professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional medical advice based on information read on this site. Learn more about our editorial standards here.