Stress Might Make Allergies Worse: Study

As spring allergies come on in full force, a recent study shows that like most health issues, stress can dramatically exacerbate the symptoms of any health issue.

"Symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose and watery eyes can cause added stress for allergy sufferers, and may even be the root of stress for some," said lead author of the new study, Dr. Amber Patterson, via The Daily Mail. "While alleviating stress won't cure allergies, it may help decrease episodes of intense symptoms."

For the study, researchers from Ohio State University observed 179 participants over a 12-week-period. Within this time frame, findings showed that 39 percent had more than one flare-up---in part, due to higher stress levels.

However, no there was no clear association between allergy flares as a result of high stress levels, many felt that allergy symptoms flared within days of increased daily stress levels, according to the news organization.

"Stress can cause several negative effects on the body, including causing more symptoms for allergy sufferers," said Dr. Patterson, via Medical News Today. "Our study also found those with more frequent allergy flares also have a greater negative mood, which may be leading to these flares."

Yet whether you're suffering from seasonal allergies or another health issue, taking stress out of the situation could help to lessen the problem.

What do you think?

More information regarding the findings can be seen via the journal Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.