Can Dizziness Be a Symptom of Allergies?

Allergies can sometimes make you feel dizzy. Dizziness may be caused by inflammation of the ear canal in nasal allergies; it can also be a side effect of certain allergy medications.

This article will explore whether dizziness could be a symptom of allergies. It also discusses potential causes of dizziness and treatments for allergies and this related symptom.

What Is Dizziness?

Dizziness causes you to feel off-balance and unsteady on your feet. It is sometimes confused with vertigo or lightheadedness. Unlike dizziness, vertigo is the feeling that you or your surroundings are in motion. These sensations are distinct from lightheadedness, which is a feeling like you might faint.

Is Dizziness a Symptom of Allergies?

Dizziness can be a symptom of nasal, or respiratory, allergies (also known as allergic rhinitis or hay fever). You get nasal allergies when your immune system mistakes certain airborne substances (such as pollen or pet hair) for a foreign substance.

In response to the allergens, your body releases histamines. Histamines trigger reactions that help your body get rid of harmful substances. In addition to dizziness, they often cause sneezing, increased mucus production, and wheezing.

The two main causes of dizziness due to airborne allergens are:

• Inflammation of the lining of the eustachian tube, also called the auditory tube
• Oral anthistamines
  

The auditory tube normally equalizes the pressure in the middle ear. When it's blocked by inflammation, pressure builds up. This is what makes your ears feel plugged. Sometimes, this can result in dizziness or balance problems.

Allergy medications containing antihistamines, such as Zyrtec (citirizine) orBenadryl (diphenhydramine) may cause dizziness as a side effect. They can also make you feel lightheaded.

Treatment and Management of Dizziness

If you feel dizzy, the first thing you should do is sit or lie down somewhere safe.

If you are not taking allergy medication or managing your allergies in other ways, you may find relief from allergy symptoms, including dizziness, from some of the following common allergy treatments. See an allergist for help deciding which one is right for you.

Allergy Medication

Allergy medications are available by prescription and over the counter (OTC). Options include:

• Topical or oral antihistamines
• Decongestants
• Nasal steroids

If other therapies aren't working for you, your allergist may want to do tests to find out exactly what you're allergic to. Allergies to airborne substances like pollen and pet dander can be treated with allergy shots, although they don't work for everyone.

Allergy shots contain small amounts of the substance you're sensitive to. This helps desensitize your body to the allergen.

Diet

Research has found an association between diet and nasal allergies. High-fat and low-carbohydrate diets, for example, have been linked to nasal allergies in children.

Studies have also found a relationship between what you eat during pregnancy and your child's chances of developing allergies. In particular, diets high in vegetables and fish were associated with a lower risk, while diets high in vegetable oils and fast food are associated with higher risk.

Alternative Therapies

You may also want to try alternative remedies for your allergies. Some people find acupuncture helpful. This is a remedy used in Traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting needles into select points on the body. 

Some studies have suggested that herbal supplements such as butterbur can be helpful for people with allergies. Keep in mind, though, that unpurified butterbur may harm your liver. Always ask your healthcare provider before you start taking supplements of any kind.

When to See Your Healthcare Provider

If you frequently experience dizziness as a result of allergies, talk to your healthcare providers about possible solutions, such as a change in treatment approach.

Summary

Allergies to airborne substances can sometimes cause dizziness. This symptom usually happens when the auditory tube in your ear becomes swollen and blocked. Dizziness can also be a side effect of allergy medications. In some cases, it can be a symptom of anaphylaxis.

You can treat allergy-related dizziness and your other symptoms with prescription or OTC medication or immunotherapy. What you eat can also make a difference. It is also important to avoid allergens as much as possible.

A Word From Verywell

It can be scary to feel dizzy or off-balance, but it shouldn't be a cause for panic. If you also have other symptoms of allergies, the dizziness is probably related. If it becomes frequent or severe, see your doctor. There may be another cause for your dizziness, such as migraines or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV).