Can Allergies Cause High Blood Pressure?

One way to get high blood pressure is to go mountain climbing over molehills.”- Earl Wilson

A few decades back linking blood pressure and allergies would have been like linking a mountain with a molehill. However, recent research has found a potential connection between the two. They might seem unrelated, but blood pressure can be a repercussion of severe allergic reactions. 

How?

Allergies happen when your immune system is triggered to release antibodies to fight back allergens or foreign particles which enter the body. It can be pollen, food, drink or even when you come in contact with some animals or plants. On the other hand, high blood pressure or hypertension occurs when the force of your blood on the arterial walls increases and the heart has to work overtime to circulate blood. Both seem to be happening in different places of the body in different manners.  If you are curious about the relation of these two, this article is all yours!

What are the Relations between Allergies and Hypertension?

Simply put, allergies are your body’s reaction to strange particles. Your immune system identifies foreign bodies in your bloodstream and releases antibodies, which cause symptoms like itchy skin, sinuses, constricted airways, and an inflamed digestive system. The severity of allergies varies from minor irritation to severe breathing issues or asthma. 

The types of allergies that can cause various types of inflammations are: 

• Hay Fever or Allergic Rhinitis: The symptoms can be continuous sneezing, stuffy nose, itching of the nose, eyes, mouth, and red swollen eyes.
• Food Allergy: This can cause tingling of the mouth, hives all over the body, swollen tongue, lips face and throat and in severe cases anaphylaxis or loss of breath.
• Insect Sting Allergy: Edema or swelling can be seen at the site of the sting, itching and hives all over the skin, tightness of chest and wheezing, and even shortness of breath. If insect venom is highly poisonous, it can cause anaphylactic shock.
• Drug Allergy: If you are allergic to any medication, you may also have hives, rashes, an upset digestive system, fever, facial swelling, and other symptoms.

Now that you know the types of allergies and their symptoms, you can relate to hypertension symptoms easily. 

A hike in blood pressure can be caused in two ways: 

1. Primary Hypertension: This condition gradually develops when arteries and veins are slowly constricted due to plaque deposition. The heart needs to put extra pressure to keep up the blood flow to all body parts. There is no identifiable cause for such a condition, which is also called essential hypertension.
2. Secondary Hypertension: This is caused by any underlying conditions like congenital heart problems, cough and cold medicines, pain relievers, sleep apnea, drug and alcohol abuse, etc.

As you can see, any condition that increases arterial pressure in the form of reduced oxygen, congestion and shortness of breath can cause hypertension or high blood pressure. If blood allergy medicine can effectively control inflammations and other allergy symptoms, it might also reduce blood pressure.

Treating Allergies with High Blood Pressure

Recent studies have shown that those who suffer from allergic rhinitis or hay fever run a high risk of hypertension.  You may also wonder to know can cough and cold increase blood pressure? Since rhinitis affects the nose and sinuses, the patient finds it stressful to breathe, making it difficult to supply oxygen. The congested blood vessels are also unable to carry sufficient blood, causing high blood pressure. 

Some believe that the inflammation caused during allergic reactions causes blood vessels to become stiff and constricted, causing hypertension. Others believe that anxiety and trauma resulting from dealing with allergies, which are recurrent and relentless, can trigger the release of cortisol hormone, which causes a spike in blood pressure.

 Anyone with a pre-existing condition of high blood pressure can be treated with allergic medication like decongestant to worsen the condition. Decongestants increase pressure by constricting and stiffening the blood vessels. Though the effect is temporary and usually mild, these medications should be taken with a physician's advice. 

How to Deal with High BP from Allergies?

Thankfully, now that a connection has been established, we can take in case of acute allergy symptoms as well as hypertension. These tips might help you to keep both in check for a healthy and active lifestyle: 

• You need to identify your allergy triggers and avoid coming in contact with them. This will include keeping your home spic and span, eating cautiously, using air purifiers, or avoiding the sun. 
• Be extremely careful while taking allergy medication. If it impacts your blood pressure, consult your doctor about the dosage or medicine change.
• Keep a regular report of your blood pressure to keep it under control, as consistent high pressure can lead to cardiovascular diseases.
• To control both these conditions, manage your stress levels well. Invest time in yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises.
• Seek immediate medical advice if you are unable to handle the situation at home. 

How to Reduce Allergy in Blood? 

You might wonder, what can be done for blood allergy treatment that will not aggravate the blood pressure condition?

• For those with high blood pressure, allergies are treated with non-sedating antihistamines. These cause less fatigue or drowsiness and are unlikely to react with your existing blood pressure medicines.
• Nasal Decongestants like Flonase or Nasonex are sprayed inside the nose to reduce inflammation and allergy symptoms. They work better than oral corticosteroids as they only decongest the nose, not all the vessels in the body.
• Allergy shots are a long-term but effective alternative to medication for people with high blood pressure. With these shots, small amounts of allergens are introduced into the body to gradually build up immunity. 

Besides, a few natural remedies can improve your quality of life. But this also needs to be monitored or discussed with your healthcare provider: 

• None of us are unaware of the benefits of regular exercise on our bodies. It is one of the most effective ways to fight allergies, especially respiratory ones.
• Nasal irrigation is an effective home remedy for respiratory allergies. It involves clearing nasal passages with clear saline water.
• Consumption of food rich in Vitamin D can also help with nasal congestion, allergic asthma, eczema and even anaphylaxis. This vitamin plays an important role in regulating your body’s immune system.
• Honey contains propolis, which is believed to provide relief from severe allergy symptoms. Incorporating honey into your diet can help.
• Quercetin, a naturally occurring antioxidant, is found in apples, berries, red grapes, capers, and black tea. It reduces inflammation of skin cells and proteins and is often used to treat asthma, eczema, and allergic rhinitis.
• One of the most effective herbal supplements is Stinging Nettle, which can reduce symptoms of allergic rhinitis. It is usually taken as a tea. 
•  Look for a good humidifier or air purifier. The humidifier's moist, warm air can clear nasal passages irritated by dry air. Air purifiers, on the other hand, can remove allergens.

You will have access to all herbal and organic treatments available nationwide. Their wellness coverage also includes nutritionist consultation and specialised physician appointments.

Did you know AYUSH treatment is covered by Care Health Insurance policies, which is an alternate treatment method.  AYUSH can be helpful in treating allergies and hypertension. You will have access to all herbal and organic treatments available in registered hospitals nationwide.  Additionally, with Care OPD add-on benefit, nutritionist and specialised physician consultation can be covered up to the specified limit in the plan.

Also Read: How to Reduce High Blood Pressure?

Conclusion

While further research is still being conducted on the above topic, it is better to “expect the unexpected” and be prepared for the future, medically and financially. In the long run, allergies can be the indirect cause of hypertension and heart disease. It is equally important to focus on maintaining a balance with medication, exercise, etc., to lead a healthy life.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.