Can Dehydration Affect My Allergies?

According to a survey led by Cornell Medical Center and the International Bottled Water Association, 75 percent of Americans are chronically dehydrated. According to Webmd.com, one in five people have allergy or asthma symptoms. Does dehydration cause allergy symptoms to appear or become worse?

Causes Of Dehydration

• Dehydration can occur from the intake of caffeine, which is found in coffee, tea, soda or some pain medications. Antihistamines, antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications and several other types of medicines, too, can cause dehydration. Since the average American only consumes 4.6 servings of water a day, which is less than the recommended eight servings, not drinking enough water is an obvious cause of dehydration. If someone consumes caffeine, increasing the eight recommended daily 8-oz. servings of water is a good idea.

Not Enough Water

• Hydration Is Key

  When the body is dehydrated, histamine is increased and the body releases cortisol. The body also releases cortisol when you consume caffeine. Cortisol suppresses the production of white blood cells, weakening the immune system. If an allergen is present, either in the body (food allergy) or outside the body (environmental allergy), symptoms such as sneezing, asthma, hives or rashes will occur.

Another Factor To Consider

• Dehydration causes severely dry skin, especially during colder months. Dry skin can also trigger itching and hives along with a condition called dermatitis, where the skin is reddened, dry and flaky.

Did You Know?

• More than 70 percent of solid tissue is composed of water.

Simple Immunity Boost

• Drinking the minimum amount of eight servings of water per day can seem like a lot, but it doesn't hurt to try. To help the body retain fluids, it also helps to add a pinch of salt to the water. Another way to retain water is by drinking fresh juice. Drinking more caffeine-free fluids improves immunity and overall health.