Potential reasons for increased severity of seasonal allergies after recovering from COVID-19
COVID-19, a disease caused by the coronavirus, has been linked to disturbances in the immune system, leading to unusual mast cell activation that may cause allergic flare-ups. This potential connection between long COVID and worsened seasonal allergies is an emerging area of research, but the evidence is not yet fully established.
Mast cells, part of the immune system, secrete histamines and other chemicals into the blood to fight off allergens. In long COVID, the immune system may become disrupted, leading to abnormal immune responses such as overproduction of histamines and inflammation involving mast cells. This immune dysregulation may increase allergic sensitivities or even trigger new allergies, including food allergies and possibly environmental allergens relevant in seasonal allergies.
Post-COVID, many individuals develop new allergies or sensitivities due to immune imbalance and mast cell activation causing histamine overproduction and inflammation, which could theoretically worsen allergic responses in general. Seasonal allergies and COVID share similar symptoms like nasal congestion and fatigue, but COVID uniquely can cause fever, which allergies do not. This symptom overlap complicates recognition but does not negate the possibility of coexisting mast cell-driven allergy worsening post-COVID.
While direct studies on mast cell activation syndrome exacerbation after COVID are lacking, the role of mast cells in allergic inflammation and histamine release supports a plausible mechanism by which long COVID could worsen allergic diseases. COVID infection can worsen asthma symptoms, which share immune pathways involving mast cells and type 2 inflammation, suggesting that long COVID may lead to hard-to-control asthma or persistent respiratory symptoms.
Research from 2021 found that many people with long COVID experience heightened mast cell activation, similar to people with mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS). If a person feels their allergies are worse since having COVID-19, they may still be experiencing symptoms of that infection. If a person is having difficulty recovering from COVID-19, they should see a doctor to discuss the possibility of long COVID.
The World Health Organization estimates that about 10% of people experience mid- to long-term effects after recovering from COVID-19. If managing seasonal allergies or COVID-19 recovery is challenging, a person should see a doctor to find out what treatments can help manage their symptoms. If a person feels their seasonal allergies are worsening and more difficult to manage, they should see a doctor or an allergist.
In summary, long COVID may worsen seasonal allergies through immune dysfunction involving mast cell activation and histamine release, but definitive evidence is still limited, and ongoing studies are needed to fully clarify this link. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms or worsening allergies after recovering from COVID-19, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional.
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