Sneezing, nose that colas, red eyes … and muscle pain? Even if it may seem unusual, the allergies They can cause symptoms that go beyond the seasonal annoyance. In addition to nasal congestion and itching, some people experience a deeper malaise: sore muscles, widespread tensions, pain in the chest and a tiredness that seems never to pass.
But how is it possible that something like pollen or dust triggers such an intense answer in our body? The reason must be sought in the way in which the immune system reacts, activating an inflammatory response that can also involve muscles and joints. An often underestimated mechanism, which transforms an allergic reaction into an extensive and difficult to decipher malaise.
When the immune system “exaggerates”
Allergies develop when the immune system reacts excessively to normally harmless substances, such as pollen, dust, pet hair or certain foods. In normal conditions, the body should ignore these particles. But in those who are allergic, the body erroneously interprets them as a threat, activating one defensive response very similar to that put in place against a virus or bacterium.
At this point, the immune system releases a series of chemicals – including Istamine – which have the purpose of contrasting the invader. It is this release that causes the best known symptoms of allergies: eyes that tear, itching, nasal congestion, sneezing in burst. But the reaction can go well beyond the respiratory tract.
In some cases, in fact, this inflammatory response is not limited to the “affected” area – like the nose or throat – but it becomes more wide e systemicalso involving muscles and joints. In practice, the body enters a generalized state of alert, as if she were fighting a real infection. And it is precisely this extensive reaction that can cause Muscle pain from allergy: a form of widespread malaise, often underestimated, which manifests itself as soreness, tension or weakness in different areas of the body.
In some cases, the pains are located in certain areas of the body, while in others they extend more generalizedly, mimicking conditions such as influence or chronic fatigue. It is a less known side effect, but no less real for this.
Thoracic pain and allergies: continuous cough can also be a cause
Next to systemic inflammation, there is another mechanism – simpler, but no less annoying – which can explain the link between allergies and muscle pain, in particular in the chest area.
Those suffering from allergic rhinitis, commonly known as “hay fever”, know how much the respiratory symptoms can be insistent: dry cough, repeated sneezing, short breath. But what is often underestimated is thephysical impact that these movements exert on the body; Especially if they last for days or weeks.
Tossire or sneeze frequently implies a continuous effort of thoracic muscles, back and even diaphragmthe muscle that allows us to breathe. Over time, this stress can cause a sort of stress microtrauma: The muscles fatigue, become thesis and, in some cases, begin to hurt. It is here that muscle pains appear in the chest, often perceived as dense or sore in the central or lateral area of ​​the chest.
In more marked situations, a condition called can occur coastal: an inflammation of the cartilage that combines the ribs with the sternum. In these cases, the pain is acute, it worsens with deep breaths, cough or even a laugh, and can be easily mistaken for an independent heart or muscle problem, when in reality it is a secondary effect of respiratory allergies.
Even the diaphragm, subjected to continuous voltage, can inflame itself, generating pains irradiated towards the neck, shoulders or upper part of the back. Not surprisingly, many allergic people report one feeling of thoracic oppression in periods in which the symptoms are more intense. A feeling that can worry, but that often has a muscle and completely reversible origin.
When fatigue turns into widespread pain
Another element that contributes to muscle pain from allergy is the tiredness. These are not a simple seasonal exhaustion: many people who suffer from chronic allergies experience a persistent sense of effort, who often translates into widespread muscle pains.
The causes can be manifold. First of all, the night allergic symptoms – congestion, itching, coughing – disturb sleep and make it difficult for a real rest. The body wakes up tired and less ready to face the day.
In addition, some antihistamine drugs, although effective in reducing respiratory symptoms, may have sedative effects or leave a feeling of “ovation”, which worsens the perception of fatigue. In the long run, this continuous stress on the nervous and muscle system can give rise to a picture similar to chronic fatigue syndrome: pain is felt in the legs, tension behind, difficulty moving, reduced concentration. In these cases, the pain is not localized, but widespread: a general feeling of muscle “heaviness” that can last even several days.
How to recognize and manage muscle pain from allergy
Understanding that muscle pains are linked to allergies is not always easy. Often they are attributed to other factors, such as the change of season, an influence that never completely manifests itself, or the classic stress. However, when the pain appears in conjunction with nose that cola, eyes that tear or itching, it is possible that there is a direct link.
To have a certain diagnosis, it is useful to contact an allergist, who can carry out specific skin tests (such as the prick test) and identify the responsible allergen. Once the », it will be easier to process an effective management strategy.
Among the remedies for allergies that cause muscle painthe most common include the combined use of anti -inflammatory antihistamine and drugs (such as ibuprofen), useful both for reducing respiratory symptoms and muscle pain. Even rest, hot or cold compresses and light physical activity can help.
It is fundamental manage these pains from allergy long -term reducing exposure to allergens; For example by monitoring the pollen levels, avoiding to go out in the peak hours, keeping the windows closed or using an air purifier at home.
In short, the allergies are not all the same. And sometimes, behind a muscle pain that is not explained, it hides precisely an underestimated allergic reaction. Knowing how to recognize it – and face it – can make a difference.
Immune System Involvement in Specific Pain ConditionsSage Jounrals, 2017
Stress and Allergic Diseases, Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America2011
The Development of Allergic Inflammation, Nature2008
Can allergies causes body aches? Undersanding the Connection,
Source: Vanity Fair
I’m Susan Karen, a professional writer and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in Entertainment news, writing stories that keep readers informed on all the latest developments in the industry. With over five years of experience in creating engaging content and copywriting for various media outlets, I have grown to become an invaluable asset to any team.
