Food Allergies | Causes, Symptoms & Treatment | ACAAI Public Website
Ugh, Why Are My Allergies So Much Worse At Night?
You're somewhat used to morning allergies—that stuffy nose and congestion that peaks when you first wake up. And you make it through most of the day without environmental irritants like pollen, ragweed, or mold giving you too many issues. By nighttime, you may think you're in the clear. But right as your head hits the pillow, your itchy nose and watery eyes flare up again. You might be thinking: Why are my allergies so much worse at night?Turns out, it's actually pretty common for people with allergies to have their worst watering, itching, and congestion at bedtime, says Jessica Hui, MD, a pediatric allergist and immunologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado. The reasons why have to do with a few different factors, including your indoor environment and your body's natural rhythm, she adds.
Here's a look at the top causes of nighttime allergies, and how to treat symptoms to get a better night's rest.
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6 reasons your allergies are so much worse at nightThere are a few reasons why you might have nighttime allergies—many of which can be fixed with simple lifestyle changes.
1. You're tracking pollen insideYou might still be exposed to allergens like pollen when you come inside at the end of the day, Dr. Hui explains. The stuff can easily cling to your shoes, clothes, hair, or your pet's fur (if they've been outside) unless you make a dedicated effort to wash it off (like changing your clothes or showering when you come in). Pollen can also waft into the air if you've had the windows open. This may be why you find yourself sneezing at night in bed.
2. There's dust in your roomThe majority of our exposure to dust mites happens during sleep, notes the American Lung Association. That's because the microscopic bugs accumulate in blankets, pillows, sheets, mattresses, carpets, and curtains (especially when they haven't been washed in a while). So if you've got a dust allergy, your symptoms could start going haywire when you get into bed.
3. You're using a humidifierHumidifiers can be a godsend during the cold, dry winter months. But if you have a dust or mold allergy, running one in your bedroom might be making your symptoms worse, Dr. Hui says. That's because high levels of moisture in the air—think above 50 percent humidity —can set the stage for dust mites and mold spores, according to the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI). If your seasonal allergies are worse at night, consider turning off the humidifier for a few nights and see how you feel.
4. You're sleeping near a petNo shade to your furry friend, but dog allergies can be worse at night. This is especially true if you let your dog (or cat) in bed with you, or even let them hang out in your room. "Pet dander is sticky and small, so it remains airborne longer and also stays on not only your bedding but also curtains, walls, and other surfaces of the bedroom," Dr. Hui says.
Your pet's fur might be the culprit even if you're not allergic to their dander, BTW. Dogs and cats that spend time outdoors can trap pollen, ragweed, and other outdoor allergens in their fur, Dr. Hui says. That stuff then gets spread around your bed when they dive into your sheets, and deposited right into your nasal passages when the two of you snuggle up. So if you wake up sneezing in the middle of the night, chances are your dog or cat's nearby.
5. It's your circadian rhythmFun fact: Your body's internal clock is actually primed for your allergy symptoms to be worse overnight and first thing in the morning, according to a February 2015 review in the European Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology1. "There is some thought that cortisol levels are lower at night which changes how the body responds to allergens," Dr. Hui says.
6. It's your body positionSleeping with allergies can be tough. Just lying down can worsen symptoms like congestion and post-nasal drip, Dr. Hui explains. With less help from gravity, it's easier for mucus to pool up in your nose or throat and make you uncomfortable. This is why the best position to sleep with allergies might be on your side, or with your head elevated by a wedge pillow.
Symptoms of allergies at nightNighttime allergy symptoms are similar to what you might feel during the day, just more intense. According to Yale Medicine, this may include:
If you have asthma, allergies can also trigger wheezing or shortness of breath, which should be treated with an inhaler or other asthma medication.
How to relieve allergies that are worse at nightThere are lots of things you can do to improve the bedtime allergy situation. Your action plan may include the following:
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Can you prevent allergies from getting worse at night?Being proactive about managing your allergies can help lower your nighttime symptom load. "Sometimes it's the buildup of allergen exposures throughout the daytime that culminate in peak symptoms at the end of the day," Dr. Hui explains.
Taking your meds regularly and limiting your exposure to the allergen as much as possible throughout the day can make a difference. Some other prevention tips include the following, per the Mayo Clinic:
Seasonal allergy symptoms are manageable with the right treatment plan. So if you're having trouble handling your symptoms on your own, let your doctor know. "Being evaluated will be helpful. An allergy doctor will ask questions to then tailor recommendations for your needs," Dr. Hui says.
FAQ What is the best position to sleep with allergies?Personal preference plays a big role here, of course. But in general, lying on your side with a couple pillows to prop up your head will probably be the most comfortable, because it encourages mucus to drip down your throat instead of pooling up in your nasal cavity, recommend experts at Columbia University Irving Medical Center.
What medicine is good for nighttime allergies?Any over-the-counter allergy medications—like Zyrtec, Allegra, or Claritin, or their generic (store-brand) counterparts that contain cetirizine, fexofenadine, or loratadine—can help you manage your symptoms during the day or night. While some antihistamines (like Benadryl, or diphenhydramine), are more likely to cause drowsiness, you should let your doctor know if you're relying on these meds to help you sleep, Dr. Hui says. It's possible that you have an underlying sleep issue apart from your allergies that's making it harder to doze off.
Can I take Benadryl every night for allergies?While this may be tempting, it's probably not the best idea. It's fine to take an antihistamine like Benadryl to fall asleep once in a while, but you can develop a tolerance to it if you take it every night (research has found that this tolerance develops after about three days, meaning you won't experience the same sedation effects from the medication). This med can also cause side effects like daytime drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, ringing in your ears, nausea, abdominal pain, balance and coordination issues, mucus buildup in the lungs, and even rapid heart rate, per the Mayo Clinic. If you're looking for a better long-term treatment, reach out to your doctor for advice.
—medically reviewed by Jennifer Logan, MD, MPH
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Fall Is A Mixed Bag For Pet Owners. Sure It's Cooler, But Allergies, Shedding And Ticks Return
It's hard to believe that fall is already upon us. These cooler, less-humid days are the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with pets.
Fall also comes with a round of precautions. Here are some seasonal reminders for pets:
ALLERGIES RETURN: Seasonal allergies are miserable for pets and some people. My dog, Romeo, has already visited the vet to get his allergy shot ahead of his annual fall scratching, paw licking and ear infections. We made it through both spring and summer without an ear infection, and I hope we can survive the fall allergy season, too.
If the family canine suffers from seasonal allergies, get ahead of things now before they really kick in.
CHANGING COATS: Pets' coats change with the seasons. Expect more than usual shedding as they lose their summer coats to make way for winter coats to come in. Frequent brushing, a lint brush and some patience during this time will help with the extra hair that's everywhere.
PREVENTATIVES, STILL: Cooler weather does not mean it's time to stop the heartworm, flea and tick preventatives. In our humid subtropical climate with long, hot summers and short, mild winters, preventatives are important regardless of the season.
AN UPTICK IN TICKS: Fall brings a rise in deer ticks — the kind that spread Lyme disease — and they are just as harmful to humans as they are to pets. This is another reason that pets need preventive medicines year-round.
MUSHROOMS: The flavorful fungi soon will be popping up overnight in the yard. Most mushrooms are harmless, but a few are very dangerous to pets. Since it is hard to tell which ones are OK and which could be poisonous, it is best to keep pets away from all mushroom varieties.
ACORNS: These can cause digestive issues, are a choking hazard and can damage teeth. Also, be careful that they do not get lodged in paw pads.
SNAKES: They are on the move in fall as they prepare for hibernation, so do yard checks when the pets are out to make sure unwanted visitors aren't lurking in the bushes.
POISONS AND ANTIFREEZE: This is the time of year when we break out the chemicals. Keep all poisons for rodents and car fluids out of reach of pets. Make sure they do not lick any liquids on the street, in driveways, etc. As they could be fatal.
PASS THE PUMPKIN: It's not quite pumpkin spiced latte time. But, when the weather does become pumpkin-everything worthy, know that pets love pumpkin, too. Adding a little canned pumpkin to a dog's meal can help the digestive system, and the antioxidants and essential fatty acids in pumpkin seeds help promote healthy skin, fur and urinary health.
A little goes a long way, so just mix in a tablespoon or two with a regular feeding to give the pups a tasty fall treat.
RACE REGISTRATION: Discount registration is open for the NOLA Dogs Race to the Rescue 5K Run/Walk on Oct. 13. Run through Lake Lawn Metairie Cemetery in New Orleans and raise money for animal rescue organizations including Animal Rescue New Orleans, Take Paws, Trampled Rose Rescue, Zeus' Rescues and The Inner Pup Education and Prevention Services. Learn more and register at nolagirl.Org/events.
Traci D. Howerton is the volunteer manager for Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO), a nonprofit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter. For more information on ARNO, visit www.Animalrescueneworleans.Org.
How To Minimize Dog Shedding And Keep Your Home Clean
Welcome to Pet Peeves, a monthly series that aims to provide pet care solutions and expert advice for challenging scenarios that involve your beloved animal companions.
If you have dogs, chances are you spend quite a bit of time sweeping up pet hair and picking it off your clothes. It's one of the only not-great things about pups: They can shed a lot. If you're wondering how to reduce dog shedding, just know that you can't fully stop fur from accumulating on your floors and furniture—but there are tools that can help keep it to a minimum.
To reduce dog shedding in your home, you're going to need a few tools, including a good brush and a ... [+] vacuum for pet hair.
Illustration: Forbes / Image: Getty CreativeFor those ready to take meaningful action against pet hair, I chatted with two experts about the best ways to minimize dog shedding, plus what you should consider to rule out any underlying issues that may be causing your pet to shed more than usual. (While seasonal shedding may lead to more fur flying around your home during certain parts of the year, it's important to make sure the hair loss isn't indicative of a larger issue.)
You can also trust my own advice: As someone who's lived with dogs, cats and rabbits for basically their entire life, I've had my fair share (read: decades) of experience cleaning up pet hair from every corner and crevice of my home. Below, I've pulled together some items to help keep your space as fur-free as possible, from a powerful vacuum to a dog deshedding tool that works wonders.
Consider Your Individual Pet And Their NormThe range of what can be considered "normal" shedding is vast—and not always directly related to a dog's hair length or breed. "Perfectly healthy pets normally shed copious hair or very little to none," says Richard Patton, an animal nutritionist. I've lived with multiple bully-breed mixes, for instance, and some didn't shed at all, while one dog regularly left my all-black wardrobe covered in a flurry of short white hair. So it's important to be attuned to what is typical for them so you can notice any patterns that deviate from the norm.
"Normal shedding happens regularly and is often influenced by the season or the breed of the dog or cat," says Dr. Lisa Lippman, a veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet. She notes that while many pets may shed more heavily in the spring and fall, there are also particular breeds (like German shepherds and huskies) who regularly shed quite a bit by nature.
Be Aware Of Excessive Shedding And What It Could MeanLippman says that if your pet is shedding more than usual, this could signal a variety of health problems: "Shedding becomes a concern when it's excessive, patchy or accompanied by symptoms like redness, bald spots or skin irritation. If a pet is excessively licking or scratching, or the hair appears to fall out in clumps, it's important to investigate further."
Culprits include allergies (environmental, food or flea-related), hormonal imbalances (like hypothyroidism or Cushing's disease), parasites like fleas or mites, nutritional deficiencies, skin infections or stress. Underlying medical conditions, such as kidney or liver issues, can also manifest as changes in your pet's skin or coat.
If you're worried at all, you should consult your vet to rule out any of the above and treat any diagnoses accordingly. And if your dog isn't on a flea and tick preventative, it's wise to start one to make sure they're protected against them all year long. (I use Bravecto.)
Feed Your Dog A Diet That Promotes A Healthy Coat And Skin"A balanced, high-quality diet is crucial for maintaining a healthy coat and minimizing excessive shedding," says Lippman. What this looks like varies from dog to dog and depends on their needs, lifestyle and any food sensitivities or allergies; but it's important to make sure they're getting all the right vitamins and minerals on a daily basis. A well-balanced diet can be store-bought or homemade, or you may want to opt for a dog food delivery service.
In addition to Pet Plate fresh food, I feed my dogs both We Feed Raw and Maev raw food; their coats are so soft and glossy, and both have significantly improved since I adopted them a year and two years ago, respectively. Patton also notes that a balanced, raw meat–based diet can "promote healthy skin and hair coat." He adds that "a known complication of a copper deficiency is color loss and brittle hair"; some good sources of copper for dogs include beef liver, whole grains and flaxseed.
Giving your pup supplements like fish oil or omega-3 fatty acids from a reputable brand (as well as products with algae) can also promote a healthy coat. Just make sure to "consult with your vet before introducing new supplements, as shedding could also be diet-related if the food doesn't meet the pet's nutritional needs," Lippman says.
Use A Shampoo Suited To Your Dog's NeedsWhen bathing your dog, Lippman suggests using shampoos that contain oatmeal, aloe or omega fatty acids, as these can help reduce shedding and support skin health. Additionally, "look for products that are hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals," she says. "Deshedding shampoos and conditioners can help remove loose fur during baths and prevent buildup, while also soothing the skin. A medicated shampoo may be necessary if there is an underlying skin condition or infection contributing to the shedding."
How often to bathe your pet is dependent on many factors, including their lifestyle and coat type. While dogs typically may not require bath time as often as we think, you of course want to bathe dogs with allergies or medical issues according to your vet's recommendations. Lippman also notes that dogs with oily coats or those who spend a lot of time outdoors might need more frequent baths.
Invest In Products To Keep Your Home CleanUltimately, if you have a dog, regardless of how much they normally shed, the reality is that there will be some level of pet hair that accumulates in your home. If you're looking for products to help keep things clean, investing in a high-quality vacuum cleaner can be a game changer. We at Forbes Vetted tested the best vacuums for pet hair and think the Dyson V15 Detect is well worth its price; for a more budget-friendly option, you can't go wrong with the Shark Navigator Powered Lift-Away NV352. If a robot vacuum is more your speed, we named the iRobot Roomba j7+ as the overall best robovac for pet hair.
For floating dog hair and reducing allergens and odors, you might also want to consider an air purifier. We rounded up the best air purifiers for pets and think the Levoit Core P350 Pet Air Purifier is the best option for most households with pets.
A good brush can also help rid your pup of excess fur before it winds up all over your house; a go-to of mine is the Furminator deshedding tool. It not only comes in several different sizes but also in different options best-suited for either long-haired or short-haired pups. (There's also a Furminator for cats if you've got those, too.)
Lastly, a lint roller is a simple but mighty product that works wonders not only on clothing but also on couch cushions and certain linens. I've been using the Evercare sticky roller for years and it's never let me down. Consider grabbing a travel-sized one to keep in your bag or desk drawer of any errant hair stuck to your outfit. Finally, you should be washing your pet's bedding on a regular basis; the best dog beds have a removable cover that you can easily clean to remove any excess hair stick in its fibers.
Meet The ExpertsLisa Lippman, DVM, is a New-York based veterinarian and director of virtual medicine at Bond Vet who earned her degree in veterinary medicine at Western University of Health Sciences. She also sits on the board of Animal Lighthouse Rescue, whose mission is to help the homeless dogs of Puerto Rico, and is the co-host of podcast We Don't Deserve Dogs. She has been featured as a veterinary expert on Good Morning America, Dr. Oz, Inside Edition and more.
Richard Patton, PhD, has spent 40 years as an animal nutritionist, worked in 25 countries and formulated diets for nearly every kind of animal. Patton has consulted for agriculture enterprises, zoos, foreign governments, Fortune 500 companies, local and regional feed mills and pet food companies. An adjunct professor at Penn State for 15 years, he has two patents and is the author of over two dozen scientific publications and a book on pet nutrition.
Have a question for us? Email efavilla@forbes.Com with the subject line "Pet Peeves."
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