Allergies Can Actually Trigger Depression, Here is the Scientific Explanation
For healthy people, allergies may seem like a collection of mild symptoms that can appear at any time. But do you know? Prolonged allergies can inhibit daily activities, reduce the quality of life of people with the disease, and even trigger depression unknowingly.
Why can allergies trigger depression?
Allergies do not directly cause depression, but this condition can increase the risk of depression. Here are a few.
1. causes disturbing symptoms
Common reactions in an allergic person are coughing, runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, dizziness, itching, and shortness of breath. Severity varies from one person to another, ranging from mild to oblige to stay at home all day.
Now imagine if you have to experience it every week. Everything you do will feel exhausting, which will also affect your mood. Over time, this affects your physical and psychological condition.
2. Inhibit daily activities
Allergic reactions can occur whenever you are exposed to the trigger, including when performing daily activities. As a result, you can not work and do activities optimally because health conditions are declining.
The allergic symptoms you feel can get worse if it turns out that your work environment is causing it, which triggers depression. In addition, if the allergic symptoms you have experienced so far are quite serious.
3. Causing not feeling well
In case of an allergic reaction, the immune system produces a type of protein called cytokine. Cytokines release special molecules so that various components of the immune system can act against allergy triggers.
However, cytokines can also affect brain function. Side effects that result include discomfort, reduced mood, reduced concentration, and drowsiness.
This collection of symptoms also causes a feeling of discomfort when you have the flu. Excessive drowsiness, symptoms of narcolepsy
4. Side effects of allergic medicines
Medications are one of the most effective ways of overcoming allergies. However, some types of allergy medications have side effects on the body.
Allergy symptoms may not trigger depression directly, but prolonged medication side effects may increase the risk.
Although effective, these medications can cause abdominal pain, constipation, dry mouth, mood disorders, and dizziness. In addition, users of allergy medications generally suffer from unbearable sleepiness.
5. Causing prolonged stress
Every day, people with allergies must deal with disturbing symptoms, discomfort, sleep disturbances, and side effects of medications.
As a result, they are more susceptible to stress. Stress can even last for years because allergies cannot be cured. Prolonged stress can trigger various symptoms of psychological disorders, including depression.
Some studies have even shown that allergic adolescents are at higher risk for anxiety, depression, impulsive actions, and behavioral changes.
Although they do not directly trigger depression, allergies usually last for years, causing prolonged stress in patients.
If you suffer from allergies, try to consult a doctor to find the right solution. Allergy symptoms can be controlled with medications and lifestyle changes.
Consulting a doctor will help you find the type of medication with lighter side effects so that it does not interfere with daily activities.
