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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 25 of 31. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by snapper on March 12, 2004, at 18:56:27
Hi Everyone, just wanted to know if anybody has noticed a correlation of allergans , pollen, rhinitis, etc; being a significant factor in magnifying the symptoms of anxiety and depression... I mean technically in 'depression" it is a full body experience as well as a comprimised immune system , increase and sussceptibilty to colds being sick etc... Am I making any sense ? I hope I am explaining this correctly-- can someone , anybody ? give some insight to this possible connection--In other words is the depression and anxiety making the allegic reactions worse or it the chicken or the egg effect???
all replies greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Snapper
Posted by Simus on March 14, 2004, at 1:31:29
In reply to allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on March 12, 2004, at 18:56:27
One other thing to consider is: Is a chemical imbalance causing the depression/anxiety and also causing the allergies? For instance, high copper, low magnesium, etc. This is of course over-simplified, but I think you get the idea.
To answer your question though, for me, a fever immediately triggers depression/anxiety. As do certain food and chemical allergies.
Good luck.
Posted by Sneezy on March 17, 2004, at 12:38:56
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » snapper, posted by Simus on March 14, 2004, at 1:31:29
Snapper,
I am looking for a correlation, too. I am
always prone to depression (think it runs in my family), and fight hard every day of my life to
overcome it. But it seems that when my allergies
kick in,(and I have them year-round but with
different symptoms depending on what part of the year it is), my depression ALWAYS shows up. I should add that the depression tends to be more significant when the allergies are causing more-
than-my-usual nasal congestion. Any clues why?
Posted by noa on March 17, 2004, at 18:38:01
In reply to allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on March 12, 2004, at 18:56:27
Perhaps the "Immune Theory of Depression" might offer some ideas?
Here is an article that discusses this:
http://www.biopsychiatry.com/immune.htm
Also, within the above article are some links, including this one:
Posted by Marley on March 18, 2004, at 22:45:07
In reply to allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on March 12, 2004, at 18:56:27
Hi Snapper-
Yes, I have also noticed this correlation. In fact, I found your message because I did a search on the internet for "allergies" and "depression" to try to see if anyone else had noticed or written about this connection!
Like "Sneezy", I too deal with chronic depression on a daily basis (mild/moderate), and my depression always gets noticeably worse when the spring allergy season starts. I have now come to dread this time of year, because I know I am in for 6-8 weeks of feeling "cement-headed" and not being able to think clearly (my "allergy" symptoms), and feeling much more depressed and anxious than normal.
I don't know if my "allergy" symptoms are really due to allergies or some other reaction caused by pollen in the air or whatever. The symptoms start early on in the spring allergy season, often before the snow is even fully melted from the ground (maybe tree pollen?). I do not get typical allergy symptoms like sneezing, itchy eyes, or any of that. I do find that my ears plug up, and that a decongestant like Sudafed helps that a tiny bit. But it doesn't alleviate the other, more troublesome symptoms at all. I sometimes go through this in the late summer/fall as well, but it doesn't seem to be quite as bad or last as long as in the spring.
I'm interested in checking out the links "noa" posted to see what they offer, as well as what others responding to this thread have to say!
Posted by icautious on April 2, 2004, at 19:06:57
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by noa on March 17, 2004, at 18:38:01
I also suffer from depreesiion as a result of chronic pain.The longer I have the depression the more I notice what triggers a bad episode.In the spring I have noticed that my depression comes on strong.Things don't feel right and I seem to be insecure.I have strange dreams all night and my sleep is not very restful.My theory is that maybe the sinus pressure on the brain triggers the depression or that pollen is actually causing the imbalance
Posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:10:44
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by icautious on April 2, 2004, at 19:06:57
icautious, I think your sinus pressure theory makes some sense. I do think there is a correlation but unfortunately I also think it is more involved than that!My head almost constantly feels like its going to explode !(likely chronic anxiety)
snapper
Posted by Jaynee on April 3, 2004, at 1:14:39
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on April 2, 2004, at 23:10:44
Wow, I can't believe what I am reading because I was feeling pretty good up until a few days ago, and now I feel awful, and I think it is due to some allergy thing. I always feel so fatigued and basically crappy this time of year. I know that last summer during a very big forest fire near us I had the same awful feeling. Extreme fatigue, which brings on depression and anxiety for me. They are doing spring burning and I am wondering if it is something in the smoke that I am allergic to or just some kind of pollen. Don't know what it is but it is definitely making my depression/anxiety kick in again.
I have started taking Claritin today, so I really hope that helps.
Anyone else have any other helpful hints?
Posted by simus on April 3, 2004, at 1:45:51
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by Jaynee on April 3, 2004, at 1:14:39
> Anyone else have any other helpful hints?
I take two benedryl and two advil when I am hit with a reaction to something I ate. Works great for me.
Good luck!
Posted by noa on April 3, 2004, at 19:02:57
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » Jaynee, posted by simus on April 3, 2004, at 1:45:51
Who knows? There is this new "Immune Theory of Depression" being floated about. Maybe there is some correlation between worsening symptoms and allergies. I know for myself that when I am sick, it seems like my depressive symptoms do worsen somewhat. Like my body can't fight both at the same time as well as when not sick.
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by noa on April 3, 2004, at 19:02:57
Its not just floating about there is a lot of reasearch money going into it. They say new meds may come out for pain and emotional issues based on the effects of histamine and our immune system a whole new area opened up with this. Its VERY promising and when you think of the fact that its kind of your immune system run wild fighting off things you need not...it makes a lot of sense it would affect our brains..JUST MY 2 CENTS :)
Posted by snapper on April 3, 2004, at 21:07:56
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » noa, posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
> Its not just floating about there is a lot of reasearch money going into it. They say new meds may come out for pain and emotional issues based on the effects of histamine and our immune system a whole new area opened up with this. Its VERY promising and when you think of the fact that its kind of your immune system run wild fighting off things you need not...it makes a lot of sense it would affect our brains..JUST MY 2 CENTS :)> Fallen, your 2 cents plus my two cents equal 10 cents!! In my opinion- I know this response should probably be in alt . treatments but if you do a search for alt. mental health you are likely to find that the Pfieffer Clinic is a strong proponent of different types of depressed people-high histamine , low histamine , high/low copper/ histadelia etc. I mentioned this to my p-doc and he just looked at me and said... why do you continue to search the internet for info that basically( in his opinion) did not really amt to much......I felt like telling him ..... because I am not getting any relief from your #%^&^#$#&^&% drugs!! There is a definite correlation!! I just don't have the $$ "YET" to check it out in full detail!!
snapper
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 0:03:43
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation?, posted by snapper on April 3, 2004, at 21:07:56
lol but will our collective 10 cents get us a pill? Just kidding around but yes even MY T has mentioned these studies and he is all for it. I am stunned by your T's narrow mind on your looking around..Isnt it smart to be informed? I mean THEY DO have to keep current on stuff and go to semiars and get credits every year to I think keep their lisc...so whats wrong with the consumer keeping informed? Ask me, it scares some doc and pdocs because it will cut the perks they get from drug companies, Also if say we all could get well just taking sayyyy Benedryl a cheap OTC med...this is just an example.....who would be out of a job :)
Posted by simus on April 4, 2004, at 0:56:17
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » snapper, posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 0:03:43
Posted by Fallen4myT on April 4, 2004, at 23:52:33
In reply to Good point. Hmmm... (nm) » Fallen4myT, posted by simus on April 4, 2004, at 0:56:17
Posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
In reply to Re: allergies ,depression and anxiety any correlation? » noa, posted by Fallen4myT on April 3, 2004, at 20:41:39
Fallen, thanks for directing me to this thread. Couldn't be more relevant!
Everyone, I'll represent the *non-allergic* "rhinitian" in the bunch, yet who still has the seasonally-increased depression and fatigue of which you speak. I was told I also have a sinus infection that I've probably had for years to varying degrees. This was just last week, so I too am amazed to see this thread. So anyway maybe the non-allergic part lets me out here, but I'm visualizing the connection in terms of the chronic bacteria and the pressure in the head.
My symptoms weren't totally indicative of a sinus problem, all docs missed it until I saw an allergist and she said my nose and throat tissues look horrible at this point. But beyond the frequent feeling of coming down with a cold and a drippy nose outdoors, most of it is indeed lethargy, depression, vertigo, head under pressure. (Also some stranger things that may just be me -- like extreme skin sensitivity at times, hot and then bone-chilling cold flashes, disorientation, twitchy sensations, sudden and brief erratic heartbeat, blood pressure high sometimes for the first time ever, more. I even lost a lot of the hair on my arms and legs! Those parts may be something else, who knows. I have been tested for connective tissue and thyroid disorders, the latter interpreted by what standard I don't know. I read somewhere that anything outside of .03 to 3 can be considered abnormal, but that many docs disregard that...? Don't know what my level was.)
Mostly I'm just a sack of dead weight, who'll occasionally agree to do something with a friend and then wish to God she never said it. This has been especially bad the last two springs. And I would have absolutely thought I was alone in suspecting a connection. I recently posted to a meds thread "accusing" a med I took briefly, but now I don't think that was it. So anyway, I'll be looking into this with interest too, and checking back here! : )
Posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
In reply to Re: allergy/sinus, depression correlation? All » Fallen4myT, posted by spoc on April 8, 2004, at 2:20:26
get the genetic test for hemochromatosis. You never know. I am a homozygotic, meaning I have hemochromatosis. The symptoms sound like you may have this. You really should get it checked out, you may or may not have it.
Good luck
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:16:17
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
Thanks so much Jaynee, I will sure do so! I know I don't have to tell you how *infinitely* helpful it is for someone who found their own way through a mysterious "syndrome" to chime in and possibly save you from an odyssey that may likely have gone nowhere; and subjected you to some 'demoralization' along the way due to snickering disbelief from many!
Actually, I haven't been trying to fight my battle for an answer long enough to have officially caught DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); but after only three initial garden-variety tests have come back clear, I have come down with a touch of BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)!
Thanks again, *chocolate bunnies to you today! : )
*Disclaimer: No religious messages intended, although I don't remember learning about the Easter Bunny in Sunday school anyway! ;- )
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:27:55
In reply to spoc, posted by Jaynee on April 10, 2004, at 14:51:36
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:27
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » Jaynee, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:16:17
> Actually, I haven't been trying to fight my battle for an answer long enough to have officially caught DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); but after only three initial garden-variety tests have come back clear, I have come down with a touch of BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)!
Hey spoc! I hate to sound like a hypochondriac, but I think I have both of those!!! Have chocolate bunny ears really worked for you? I am willing to make the sacrifice and give it a try!
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:38
In reply to Re: spoc ????? (nm) » Jaynee, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:27:55
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:43:02
In reply to Re: Tis me as u see, any/all attention welcome! :) (nm) » simus, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:38
Sorry, I was just wondering what hemochromatosis was. I looked it up just now. I'm sorry you have to suffer through this.
Posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:46:28
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » spoc, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:37:27
> > DSAS (Demoralized and Snickered At Syndrome); BCTS (Benevolently Condescended To Syndrome)>
-----
> Hey spoc! I hate to sound like a hypochondriac, but I think I have both of those!!! Have chocolate bunny ears really worked for you? I am willing to make the sacrifice and give it a try! >------------
Well simus, I'm glad you asked. Actually, while research typically and annoyingly pushes the ears of the bunny as the most beneficent component, I believe that's some profit-motivated conspiracy to get us to buy numerous bunnies at a time in order to keep our bunny ear levels in a steady state. Whereas, from experience I have seen that dosing with the entire head, midsection and even feet is of equal benefit. ;- )Geez, and I'm not even dipping into the holiday punch, what is it with me today? ;- )
Posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 16:17:03
In reply to Re: thanks! (homozygotic/hemachromatosis) » simus, posted by spoc on April 10, 2004, at 15:46:28
Posted by Jaynee on April 11, 2004, at 12:26:25
In reply to Re: Tis me as u see, any/all attention welcome! :) » spoc, posted by simus on April 10, 2004, at 15:43:02
I am not suffering from hemochromatosis, and if caught early enough people who do have hemochromatosis don't have to suffer. The people who suffer are those who don't get a proper diagnosis. Hemochromatosis is misdiagnosed 90% of the time. It is the most common hereditary disorder in north america and northern europe. Especially in Ireland. 1 in 3 people carry the gene, which causes you to absorb more iron than most, and 1 in 9 has the full-blown disorder.
I still think you should get test, actually I thing everyone should, just to be on the safe side.
It causes fatigue, joint pain, depression/anxiety, medication resistant bi-polar, heart problems, diabetes, thyroid, certain cancers,etc, etc,. But if you catch it early enough you can save yourself a world of grief.
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