Q/A: Allergies

What is your question? Have been suffering from seasonal pollen allergy for a week. Woke during the night with pain and swelling in both ankles. Are these two issues related.

Hello!

This is a great question! Allergies can present themselves in so many different ways. To answer your question...yes, pain and swelling in both ankles can very well be associated with the symptoms you've been having for a week.

A histamine release from your immune system can cause joints to become painful and swell. I would consider this a stronger response from your body than the minor sneezes and stuffiness.

-I would definitely take an antihistamine such as Benadryl (25mg-50mg which will cause drowsiness) or Zyrtec (10mg) as well as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory such as ibuprofen (200mg-400mg).      

-Apply some snug socks or compression sock for a couple of days

-The medications plus some compression should help these symptoms pretty quickly.

In addition, go get some local honey in your area and take a spoonful this evening. Do it every day while you are having symptoms. Local honey has shown to be beneficial because it can desensitize you to the local pollens in the area. Also, use turmeric on foods or get a supplement. This has an anti-histamine effect. Green teas and teas with turmeric are also beneficial!

Now....if you begin feeling like you cannot catch your breath, cannot sleep flat or on your side, or feel like your face, lips, or throat are swelling or tingling...then you may need more help and should go to a healthcare facility to have a hands-on evaluation. 

You know your body best! Please let me know if you need me to ellaborate more on this. 

Thank you for reaching out!