When you think about spring allergy symptoms, you probably picture sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose.
But if you have spring allergies, you might notice something else. You might feel exhausted. You could have headaches. And you may find that “brain fog” makes it harder to concentrate.
Spring allergies can affect your whole body. George Schatz, MD, an integrative medicine specialist with Banner - University Medicine, explained why this happens and what you can do to feel better.
What happens in your body during spring allergies
Spring allergies are triggered by pollen from trees, grasses and weeds. “When you breathe in pollen, your immune system mistakenly identifies it as a threat and releases histamine, which causes inflammation in your nose and eyes. That’s why you have symptoms like redness, runny nose, tearing, sneezing and coughing,” Dr. Schatz said.
But the immune response doesn’t stay limited to your nasal passages and sinuses. It can affect how you feel overall.
Why allergies can make you feel tired
Many people don’t know fatigue is linked to allergies. But it is one of the most common allergy symptoms. There are a few reasons why.
1. Your immune system is working overtime
When your body is in constant “defense mode,” it uses energy. “The energy your body is spending to fight off harmless pollen makes you tired,” Dr. Schatz said. Ongoing inflammation can also leave you feeling drained.
2. Poor sleep from congestion
If your nose is blocked at night, you may breathe through your mouth or wake up frequently. Even if you do not fully wake up, your sleep quality may suffer. This poor sleep alone can make you tired and irritable.
3. Medication side effects
Some allergy medications, especially older antihistamines, can cause drowsiness. If you feel unusually sleepy during allergy season, your medication may be part of the reason.
Why allergies can cause headaches
Headaches during spring are often linked to sinus pressure. When your nasal passages are inflamed, mucus may not drain properly. This creates pressure in your sinuses, especially around your forehead, cheeks and eyes, that can lead to:
- Dull, aching pain
- Tenderness in your face
- A feeling of fullness in your head
If your headaches are severe, one-sided or associated with nausea or light sensitivity, they may not be simple sinus headaches. Allergies are also linked with migraines.
“People with allergic rhinitis are 14 times more likely to experience migraine headaches than those without allergies,” Dr. Schatz said. Inflammation and changes in your sleep patterns may trigger migraine symptoms.
What is “allergy brain fog”?
Brain fog is not a medical diagnosis but many people use it to describe:
- Trouble concentrating
- Slower thinking
- Forgetfulness
- Feeling mentally cloudy
“Brain fog affects about 30% of people with allergic rhinitis,” Dr. Schatz said.
That could be due to inflammation in the body that impacts the brain. When your immune system is activated, inflammatory chemicals circulate in your body. These can affect how alert and focused you feel.
Sleep disruption is another major factor. Even low levels of congestion can reduce the amount of time you spend in deep sleep, which is important for memory and mental clarity. When you don’t sleep well, your brain can’t recover from the past day’s effort, which leads to ongoing brain fog.
How to tell if it’s allergies or something else
Lots of different things can cause fatigue and headaches. Your symptoms may be allergy-related if:
- They get worse during specific seasons
- You also have congestion, sneezing or itchy eyes that last for weeks during pollen season
- They get better when pollen levels drop
- They respond to allergy medication
If you have fever, body aches or thick discolored mucus, you may have a cold or another infection, not allergies. These symptoms usually get better in seven to 10 days.
What you can do to feel better
If spring allergies are affecting your energy and focus, small steps can help:
- Check daily pollen counts and limit the time you spend outside on high-count days
- Shower and change your clothes after being outside
- Keep your windows closed during peak pollen hours
- Use high-quality air filters indoors
Talk to your provider about taking:
- Antihistamines like cetirizine or loratadine for mild symptoms
- Over-the-counter (OTC) nasal steroid sprays like fluticasone for moderate to severe symptoms
- Supplements like nettles, quercetin, vitamin C and N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
If OTC treatments are not helping, allergy testing can identify your specific triggers.
When to see a specialist
Consider scheduling an appointment if:
- Fatigue makes it hard for you to do your work or school tasks
- You’re having trouble sleeping because of symptoms
- You don’t know what’s causing your symptoms
- You have headaches that are frequent or severe
- You get sinus infections often
- You have symptoms every year that disrupt your daily life
Allergy specialists can offer testing and personalized treatment plans, including prescription medications or immunotherapy. Treating the root cause of inflammation may improve fatigue and brain fog as well as sneezing and congestion.
“Allergies aren't just a nuisance. They're linked to asthma and they impair work and school performance in over 80% of sufferers. Treating nasal symptoms properly can improve overall quality of life and prevent complications,” Dr. Schatz said.
Key takeaways
Spring allergies don’t just cause sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes. They can cause headaches and affect your energy and your ability to think clearly.
If seasonal symptoms are affecting your daily life, schedule an evaluation with a Banner Health specialist. The right allergy treatment may help you breathe easier and feel more alert and focused.
