Allergy Alert: Can Stress Make Your Allergies Worse?

Stress may actually play a role in whether or not your allergies will be tolerable or very bad! Researchers from Ohio State University Medical Center reported "stress and anxiety make a big difference" in terms of how we respond when allergies attack.

The study evaluated the link between the severity of allergy symptoms and how much stress a person has. Those allergy sufferers, who were much stressed, were four times more likely to test positive for allergies! Remember, greater amounts of anxiety are physically linked to an increased production of "stress hormones."

Dr. Ronald Glaser, a researcher from Ohio State University, thought these chemicals released when stressed may be to blame for delayed allergic reactions.

As we approach the height of the summer and early fall allergy season, the message is to try and reduce excess stress. You can also learn anti-anxiety and coping strategies to improve your emotional well-being - and your allergies!

Dr. Clifford W. Bassett

is an assistant clinical professor of medicine at the Long Island College Hospital and on the faculty of NYU School of Medicine.He is the current vice chair for public education committee of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.