Pollen & Dizziness

The Environmental Health Center in Dallas states that many people are familiar with the common symptoms of being sensitive to pollen, such as asthma or hay fever, but many do not realize that a pollen allergy can cause brain dysfunction, fatigue and dizziness. While dizziness is not as common as some of the typical reactions to pollen, it can affect a person's daily routine and tasks.

Cause

• The cause of dizziness from pollen is the result of an allergic reaction. If a person is allergic to pollen, the immune system perceives the pollen as a harmful substance and tries to fight it off by releasing various chemicals in the body. Those chemicals produce common allergy symptoms, such as head congestion, eye irritation and a scratchy throat. The increase in sinus congestion can lead to fluid buildup in the ears, which causes dizziness and instability.

Symptoms

• While most dizziness from pollen is slight, a person may experience the following symptoms: a drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, mental confusion and lightheadedness. Dizziness from pollen may be a symptom that can lead to a serious allergic reaction called anaphylactic shock. Anaphylactic shock is an allergic reaction that affects the entire body and could lead to death if not treated promptly.

Avoidance

• Instah.com states that people who experience dizziness from contact with pollen may experience debilitating dizziness that can impair their ability to function properly. One of the best solutions for a person with dizziness from pollen is to avoid the allergen as much as possible. Stay indoors, use air filters and wash clothing after being exposed to the outdoors.

Treatment

• Aside from avoiding pollen, addressing the allergic reaction is the best method of treating the dizziness. The Mayo Clinic states that many over-the-counter medications can help reduce allergic reaction symptoms that could lead to dizziness. Antihistamines are useful to restrict the release of histamine in the blood, reducing nasal and head congestion. One of the most powerful and effective antihistamines for treating allergies and dizziness is diphenhydramine (Benadryl), according to drugs.com. Decongestants can be used if a person is experiencing sinus congestion associated with headaches.

When to Call a Doctor

• A person who is experiencing dizziness as a result of a pollen allergy should call her doctor is she develops a fever, hallucinates, faints, experiences seizures, cannot breathe or has severe head pain. An individual should see an allergist to confirm that he has an allergy to pollen and not another condition causing dizziness.