Allergies Food Allergies Symptoms How Allergies Can Make You Dizzy By Marlo Mittler, MS, RD linkedin Marlo Mittler, MS, RD, is a registered dietitian specializing in pediatric, adolescent, and family nutrition. She is the owner of NutritionByMarlo. Learn about our editorial process Marlo Mittler, MS, RD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Daniel More, MD on June 06, 2020 Daniel More, MD, is a board-certified allergist and clinical immunologist with a background in internal medicine. Learn about our Medical Review Board Daniel More, MD Updated on June 20, 2020 Print NickyLloyd / Getty Images Table of Contents View All Table of Contents The Role of IgE Airborne Allergies and Dizziness Treating Dizziness Dizziness and Anaphylaxis If you have allergies, there are a number of reasons you might experience dizziness. This symptom can occur along with more classic reactions to airborne allergens such as sneezing or hives. It also is a side effect of certain types of allergy medications. Dizziness sometimes is part of a cluster of symptoms of anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction to food, insect stings, and other such allergens. An anaphylactic reaction can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Dizziness is not the same as vertigo, which causes you to feel as if everything in your immediate environment is spinning around you and is not associated with allergies in any way. The Role of IgE Your immune system produces different types of antibodies in response to substances that could indicate a threat (antigens). One of these is immunoglobulin E (IgE). Antigens that result in the production of IgE are called allergens. The first time the body is exposed to a specific allergenic protein, it is taken in by immune cells and presented to lymphocytes, which then produce IgE antibodies specific for that protein that circulate throughout the body and bind to mast cells and basophils. When the same allergen is encountered again, it is bound to the IgE that is attached to these cells, triggering the release of histamine and other pre-formed allergic mediators. The release of histamine sets off a variety of responses that are beneficial in fighting off pathogens, but are unneeded or excessive in response to an allergen. In the case of respiratory allergies, these include sneezing, swelling of membranes (edema), increased mucus secretion, and wheezing. When histamine is released in response to a food, medication, or insect sting or bite, the reaction can produce symptoms ranging from mild to life-threatening: Anxiety or agitation Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting Hives or swelling (angioedema) Red and itchy eyes Throat tightness, choking, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the tongue Trouble breathing, coughing, wheezing, or chest tightness Vomiting Airborne Allergies and Dizziness Airborne allergies can lead to sinus congestion as well as inflammation of the lining of the eustachian (auditory) tube, which normally equalizes the pressure in the middle ear. When the eustachian tube becomes blocked by inflammation, pressure builds and your ears feel plugged up, which sometimes can result in dizziness or balance problems. How Auditory Tube Dysfunction Is Diagnosed You may also feel lightheaded or off-balance from the side effects of allergy medication. Most oral antihistamines can cause dizziness. Treating Dizziness The first thing you should do if you feel dizzy is sit or lie down somewhere safe. If your healthcare provider has recommended allergy medications and you are due for a dose, taking it may subdue the histamine reaction causing your dizziness. Such medications include nasal steroids and topical or oral antihistamines. If you are at risk of an anaphylactic reaction you may be prescribed an epinephrine injector to carry and use. See your healthcare provider if you have not been diagnosed with allergies but suspect you've been having allergic reactions to something in your environment. You also should contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you have persistent or severe bouts of dizziness. Dizziness and Anaphylaxis Anaphylaxis is a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. It most often is associated with allergies to food, medication, latex, and insect stings. The symptoms of anaphylaxis come on within 20 to 30 minutes of ingestion or exposure. Dizziness can occur as part of an anaphylactic episode, often because of a drop in blood presure, but it usually is not a primary symptom. Classic signs of anaphylaxis include: Angioedema (swelling) Difficulty breathing Fast or irregular heartbeat Hoarseness Swelling of the tongue Swelling or tightness in the throat Urticaria (hives) Vomiting and diarrhea In severe cases, cardiac arrest or death may occur. Take No Chances Seek immediate medical attention for any symptoms of anaphylaxis, including dizziness, even if you aren't aware you've eaten or been exposed to an allergen. Call 911 and use your epinephrine autoinjector if you have one. What to Do in an Anaphylaxis Emergency A Word From Verywell It can be scary to feel dizzy or off-balance, but it shouldn't be a cause for panic. If you also are experiencing more classic symptoms of an allergic reaction to something in your environment or a food or insect bite, the dizziness is likely just one more manifestation of the response. Medication you take to manage allergies also can play a role in dizziness. If it becomes frequent or severe, see your doctor, who may want to investigate other potential sources of your dizzness such as migraine or benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Get one simple hack every day to make your life healthier. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Allergy and immunology glossary. Anvari S, Miller J, Yeh CY, Davis CM. IgE-Mediated food allergy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2019 Oct;57(2):244-60. doi: 10.1007/s12016-018-8710-3 World Allergy Organization. IgE in clinical allergy and allergy diagnosis. Updated July 2015. Schroeder A et al. Food allergy is associated with an increased risk of asthma. Clin Exp Allergy. 2009 Feb;39(2):261-70. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2222.2008.03160.x American Academy of Family Physicians. Eustachian tube dysfunction. Updated January 8, 2020. MedlinePlus. Fexofenadine. Updated December 15, 2017. American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Anaphylaxis. Updated January 29, 2018.