Why do allergies make your brain feel so foggy?
"Allergy symptoms can disrupt sleep and make people feel more tired and groggy," says Dr. Mariana Castells, an allergist and immunologist in the division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology at Harvard-affiliated Brigham and Women's Hospital. "Plus, your body can become weaker as it fights the inflammation triggered by allergies, contributing to overall fatigue and making it harder to concentrate and focus."
What happens to your immune system when Sunitix 50mg (Sunitinib) you inhale pollen? When you inhale pollen, your immune system generates antibodies called immunoglobulin E (IgE). Those antibodies trigger the release of chemicals called mediators, such as histamine, leukotrienes, and prostaglandins. The chemicals affect tissues in the eyes, nose, and throat, causing symptoms like sneezing and watering eyes.
4 ways to prevent or ease brain fog stemming from seasonal allergies
Managing your allergy symptoms when they first appear — or taking preventive measures if you are prone to pollen allergies — is the best way to control the allergic immune response that can cause fatigue and brain fog. These four strategies can help.
Lower your exposure to pollen
Keep your windows closed whenever possible, and occasionally run an air conditioner or use an air purifier with a HEPA filter to help remove pollen from indoor air.
Pollen is usually highest from about 4 a.m. to noon, so restrict outside time to the late afternoon or evening.
You can check daily pollen counts in your area and sign up for high pollen alerts at.
Wearing a mask outside when pollen is high can block about 70% to 80% of pollen, says Dr. Castells.
Be prepared with over-the-counter allergy medicines
Over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medicines treat many symptoms, thus helping to lift brain fog. It's best to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting any new medicine, especially if you have any health problems or take other medicines.
Non-drowsy antihistamine pills and nasal sprays. Antihistamines block the effects of excess histamine that causes itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, and a runny nose. Sprays also help with congestion and postnasal drip. "Be aware that even non-drowsy brands have potential for some sedation that can affect thinking," says Dr. Castells. "People tolerate antihistamines differently, so you may have to try more than one brand to assess effectiveness and potential side effects." Loratadine (Claritin), cetirizine (Zyrtec), and fexofenadine (Allegra) are less sedating than first-generation antihistamines such as diphenhydramine.
