Seasonal allergies, also known as allergic rhinitis, are notorious for causing sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and sinus pressure. However, some people experience an unexpected symptom– joint pain. If you’ve ever noticed aching or stiffness in your joints during allergy season, you’re not alone. But what exactly is the connection between allergies and joint pain? In this blog, we’ll take a closer look at this possible link and explore ways you can find relief from your allergy symptoms this season.
For same-day seasonal allergy treatment, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek. Our board-certified medical team is available 7 days a week to provide the highest quality of care in Denver, CO. Just walk-in or plan your visit in advance below!
How Seasonal Allergies Affect The Body
When your immune system detects allergens like pollen, mold spores, or dust mites, it responds by releasing histamines and other inflammatory chemicals. This reaction helps defend your body but also leads to common allergy symptoms, such as swelling, congestion, and mucus production. However, this inflammatory response isn’t limited to your respiratory system. For some individuals, the inflammation triggered by seasonal allergies can spread throughout the body, potentially affecting muscles and joints.
The Connection Between Allergies and Joint Pain
While seasonal allergies don’t directly cause joint pain like arthritis or an injury would, they can contribute to discomfort in several ways, including:
1. Inflammatory Response: Allergies cause systemic inflammation, which may exacerbate existing joint pain or create general achiness in the body. If you already have conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis, allergies can make symptoms worse.
2. Immune System Overload: Your immune system works hard to fight off allergens, and this extra effort can lead to fatigue and body aches, including joint pain. Some people may feel as if they have the flu during peak allergy season.
3. Dehydration: Allergies can lead to increased mucus production, congestion, and postnasal drop, which may cause dehydration if you’re not drinking enough water. Dehydration can affect the lubrication of joints, leading to stiffness and discomfort.
4. Poor Sleep Quality: Stuffy noses, sneezing, and sinus pressure can make it difficult to sleep. Poor sleep can contribute to muscle and joint stiffness, as well as overall body aches.
5. Histamine and Muscle Soreness: Some studies suggest that histamines, the chemicals released during an allergic reaction, may play a role in muscle soreness. This could explain why some people experience joint and muscle pain during allergy season.
How To Reduce Allergy-Related Joint Pain
If allergies are contributing to your joint pain, there are steps you can take to minimize symptoms and improve your comfort:
- Use antihistamines, nasal sprays, or other allergy medications as recommended by a healthcare provider to manage your allergies
- Drink plenty of water to keep your joints lubricated and reduce inflammation
- Reduce exposure to allergens by keeping windows closed during high pollen seasons, using air purifiers, and showering after spending time outdoors
- Improve your sleep quality by using a humidifier, elevating your head, and maintaining a bedtime routine to promote better rest
- Practice gentle exercise through stretching, yoga, and light movement to help ease joint stiffness and improve circulation
If your joint pain is persistent, severe, or worsening, it may not be related to allergies alone. An urgent care provider can help determine the cause of your symptoms and recommend appropriate treatment.
Get Same-Day Allergy Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek
Seasonal allergies can be troublesome, and for some, they may bring unexpected joint discomfort. By managing allergies and taking care of your body, you can reduce inflammation and improve your overall well-being. If you’re struggling with allergy symptoms or joint pain, come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Cherry Creek for expert advice and relief options. Our medical team is available seven days a week to provide exceptional urgent care to all patients in the Denver, CO area and surrounding communities. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about seasonal allergy treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 692-8000.
