I have allergies to cotton wood. The allergies are not bad. Just watery eyes, sinus congestion and a little sinus pressure. The strange symptoms are that I get a scratchy voice and sometimes will loose my voice for a whole month during the cottonwood season. I also get ear aches, ringing in my ears and vertigo. Is this normal or should I be concerned?
Q: Can allergies cause vertigo?
Answers (3)
6/30/09 7:39pm
Hi Lucy,
First off, let me just say that any time you have health symptoms that concern you, it's a good opportunity to talk with your doctor, who can either act quickly to help you feel better or allay your fears that what you're feeling is nothing to be concerned about.
The scratchy voice is, in all likelihood, a byproduct of your nasal congestion and post nasal drip. Not that unusual. The ear pain and dizziness are probably also related to this, but again, talk with your doctor if you're concerned.
To your health,
Kathi
7/28/09 1:32am
I get the same reaction during ragweed season. There's a spray mist you can use up your nose during cotton wood season that will make you more comfortable. Prolonged allergies can suppress your immune system which can make you vulnerable to sinus infections which can cause laryngitis. These sorts of secondary infections shoudl respond quickly to prescribed antibiotics. One year, I lost my voice completely for six weeks. No sound came out at all! So, I had to carry around paper and pen at all times. My phone bill went way down, though, so it wasn't all bad!
8/14/09 11:44am
I live in ND and have several allergies involviing weeds, grass, molds and pollens ( and oddly enough something about cows triggers it also, but other animals even in a barn do not).
I have found that nasal irrigation can help immensly is nasal irrigation. its sounds wierd, but it works amazingly. You need a neti pot or similiar container with a pouring spot, one that can be sanitized regularly. using a mild saline solution (make your own with about 1 % salt, using a good quality salt such as sea salt, that has not been bleached or iodined, (it is also avaialbe commercally)
leaning over a sink or a basin, poor the solution in to one nostril (should be around body temp) and let it drain out the other side. than repeat with the other side. you may have to blow your nose a few times after. It feels weird, but it is great for getting
rid of allergens. Generally it is reccommended to do it 2x day, or when you come in after being exposed to allergens. Gargling with saline mixture (and spitting it out) can also help with sore throats. (nasal kits are also available commercially in health food store, and large stores with a health food/alt heath section.
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Thank you! If the vertigo gets worse or starts happening more frequently, I will head to the doctor.
Thanks again,
Lucy