Allergies and Dizziness

I often see an increase in patients in the spring and early summer who have flare ups of dizziness and vertigo related to their seasonal allergies.  Allergies can cause inflammation of the sinus cavities and nasal passages. 

The inner ear and sinuses are connected through a small canal called the Eustachian tube. When the sinuses become congested or inflamed, the Eustachian tube can become blocked, trapping air inside the middle ear. This creates pressure imbalances that can affect the function of the inner ear, leading to vertigo or dizziness.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid dizziness or vertigo caused by seasonal allergies:

• Avoid allergens: Identify and avoid the allergens that trigger your symptoms. Common allergens include pollen, mold, dust mites, and animal dander. Check the local pollen count and try to stay indoors when the count is high.
• Practice good sinus hygiene: Keeping your sinuses clean can help reduce the risk of infection and relieve congestion. Use saline nasal sprays or rinses like this one to flush out irritants and allergens or set up a humidifier at home to moisten the air inside.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids to keep the mucus thin and prevent sinus congestion. Staying hydrated can also help reduce dizziness and maintain your body's balance.
• Take medications or supplements: Over-the-counter medications such as antihistamines, decongestants, and nasal sprays can help reduce inflammation and relieve symptoms.  There are also many homeopathic and natural supplements that target these symptoms effectively. Always follow the recommended dosage and consult with a doctor or naturopath before starting any new medication or supplement.
• Open your eustachian tube (popping your ears):  swallowing, yawning, chewing gum and steam inhalation can all help to get that eustachian tube opening more regularly and allow your ear pressure to equalize.
• Manage stress: Stress can make your symptoms worse. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, regular exercise, or guided meditation to help manage stress.
• Acupuncture and Manual Therapy:  these techniques can help to improve drainage of the sinuses and relax tissues that may be contributing to the blockages.  Lauren at The Vertigo Therapist is trained in both manual therapy and acupuncture and finds it a great tool for treating dizziness and vertigo related to allergies.

It's important to remember that everyone's allergies and symptoms are unique, so what works for one person may not work for another. Overall, seasonal allergies and sinus congestion can cause dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance by affecting inner ear pressure, and causing inflammation in the sinus cavities. If your symptoms persist,  see your doctor or vestibular therapist to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment.