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An allergy is the immune system’s reaction to a foreign substance, or allergen, in the body. Typical symptoms of seasonal and environmental allergies include a runny nose, sneezing, sinus congestion, and itchy eyes.
A less common symptom of allergies is vertigo, which is a severe form of dizziness. A person may experience this symptom during the allergy season.
In this article, we explore the link between allergies, dizziness, and vertigo. We also discuss treatment and medication options, as well as some self-care tips.
Vertigo is a type of dizziness that usually causes people to feel as though the world is spinning.
The Vestibular Disorders Association define dizziness, vertigo, and disequilibrium as follows:
| Term | Definition |
| Dizziness | This occurs when a person feels light-headed, faint, or unsteady. |
| Vertigo | This occurs when a person feels as though they are spinning, or that the environment around them is spinning. |
| Disequilibrium | This occurs when a person feels unsteady or imbalanced with an inability to determine their location and motion relative to the environment. |
Dizziness is associated with other conditions, such as heart, blood vessel, brain, metabolic, vision, and psychological problems.
Vertigo is associated with a dysfunction in the structures of the ear or brain that control balance. It can last from a few seconds to a few days.
Share on PinterestMany conditions can give rise to vertigo, including inner ear disease and Ménière’s disease.
A less common cause of vertigo is allergies. Allergies can be either seasonal or occur all year round.
One particular way that allergies may cause dizziness, vertigo, or both is via eustachian tube dysfunction. The eustachian tube connects the middle ear to the inside of the nose and the back of the throat. Since these structures are all connected, severe allergy symptoms can affect the ears through increased mucus production and nasal congestion.
The functions of the ears are hearing and balance. When the eustachian tube cannot regulate the pressure in the middle ear, it can also affect the vestibular system. This controls balance and is located in the inner ear.
Chronic middle ear conditions can also cause vertigo. People with infections or inflammation in the middle ear can experience vertigo and balance disorders. Some researchers suggest that allergies can cause middle ear inflammation.
If a person is experiencing vertigo and other allergy symptoms, a doctor can try treating the allergy symptoms, which may, in turn, resolve the vertigo.
A case report from Kyoto, Japan showed the effectiveness of allergy medication in a woman with chronic vertigo and allergy symptoms who had not responded to usual vertigo treatment and medications.
However, further research will be necessary to confirm these findings.
The sections below list some medications that may be effective in treating allergies and vertigo.
Nasal steroids and antihistamines
Doctors and pharmacists recommend nasal steroids and topical or oral antihistamine drugs as first-line medications to treat seasonal allergy symptoms.
Other oral treatments
These include:
Injections
Sometimes, depending on the severity of a person’s allergy symptoms and their response to other allergy treatments, a doctor will recommend immunotherapy, or “allergy shots.”
Oral decongestants
People should only use oral decongestants for allergy symptoms if they experience sinus or nasal congestion.
Because these medications have many side effects, including increased blood pressure, it is vital that people consult with their doctor before taking them.
Decongestant nasal sprays are also available to help relieve sinus congestion. People should not use these products for more than 3 consecutive days, however, as this can lead to dependence and rebound congestion after use.
Antivertigo drugs
These drugs include:
As much as possible, people should try to avoid the substance that causes their allergies. However, this may be difficult, as seasonal allergy symptoms are usually the result of pollen, which is everywhere outdoors.
People with indoor allergy symptoms should try to reduce exposure to dust mites and animal dander, as these are likely the cause of their symptoms.
It may be helpful to remove allergens in the house by:
People with seasonal allergies may have symptoms that affect their eyes, ears, nose, and throat. All of these structures are connected.
Doctors have also noticed that some people with severe allergy symptoms develop vertigo.
Vertigo is not a common symptom of allergies, so healthcare providers should be absolutely sure before they confirm that allergies are the cause.
When a person has both allergy symptoms and vertigo, treating the allergy symptoms may resolve both issues.
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Select ‘OK’ to continue and allow Verizon Media and our partners to use your data, or select ‘Manage options’ to view your choices.
An enema is an injection of liquid containing various substances into the rectum. The goal is to loosen stuck stool and encourage a bowel movement. A doctor may recommend an enema to treat constipation when first-line treatments have not worked.
Homemade and commercial enemas can cause adverse effects. Most doctors recommend using laxatives and dietary changes before suggesting that the person try an enema.
A homemade enema may be safe if a person uses an appropriate mixture and sterile equipment.
However, most of the medical community does not recommend using homemade enemas.
Before a person attempts to use one, they should consult a doctor about safe methods and alternatives.
Keep reading for more information about the safety and risks of homemade enemas.
Share on PinterestAn enema is a liquid solution that a person injects into the rectum using either tubing or a syringe.
The contents of homemade and premixed commercial enema solutions can vary. A homemade enema may contain ingredients such as salt, soap, or coffee. Commercial kits can contain a variety of ingredients, as advertised on labeling.
The medical community generally recognizes that enemas can treat constipation and get a person’s bowels moving again.
Doctors may also use enemas to help clear the distal colon for endoscopic or surgical procedures. The distal colon is the last part of the colon — it descends toward the rectum.
According to an older study, there is only anecdotal evidence that enemas are effective in treating acute or chronic constipation.
Anyone experiencing constipation should speak to a doctor. They will likely recommend other methods before suggesting that a person uses an enema for constipation.
No evidence suggests that an enema is effective for other purposes — such as losing weight or removing toxins from the body.
A person should consult their doctor before trying a homemade enema because of the potential risks.
When a person receives an enema in a hospital or another clinical setting, doctors generally consider it a safe treatment for constipation.
However, a homemade enema carries greater risks because of the ingredients and proportions that people may use.
A person should discuss their plans with a doctor before trying to create their own enema. The doctor may also provide instruction about safely administering one at home.
It is important to consider the potentially fatal complications of using enemas incorrectly.
The typical enema that a doctor may use contains a saline solution. They mix the solution and inject it into the rectum using a large syringe or tube.
Homemade enemas typically contain clean distilled water mixed with another substance, such as:
Enemas — particularly homemade enemas that contain coffee or citrus juice — can cause significant adverse effects. The type of fluid in the enema can have a major, potentially fatal, impact on a person’s electrolyte balance, bowels, and overall health.
For example, using minerals and soap in an enema puts a person at risk of an electrolyte imbalance. This is also a risk of using some premixed enema solutions.
A homemade enema may contain the wrong proportions of salt or soap, which can disrupt the body’s balance of electrolytes. According to at least one medical report, this disruption can be fatal, following an enema.
Other types of enemas can injure the bowels. Coffee, lemon juice, and other acidic ingredients in enema solutions can cause irritation, burns, and inflammation.
According to another medical report, children who received hydrogen peroxide enemas developed bloody diarrhea, inflammation of the colon, vomiting, and long-term complications.
Having an enema — particularly at home — also carries a risk of infection. This risk is higher when enema supplies are not sterile. Do not reuse enema kits, and make sure all equipment is as clean as possible.
In addition, a person runs a risk of perforating or damaging their colon when administering an enema.
A person should talk to a doctor about their constipation before making an enema at home. The doctor can suggest alternative treatment options. They may also advise about effective enema solutions and safe ways of administering them.
Do not use an enema as a treatment for anything other than constipation. There is no evidence that an enema will help rid the body of toxins, help a person lose weight, or provide any health benefits beyond potentially loosening impacted, or stuck, stool.
Based on current research, it is difficult to say what a safe enema mixture is. However, most saline, docusate sodium, and bisacodyl enema preparations sold over the counter are typically safe when a person uses them as directed.
Speak to a doctor about creating an enema at home.
Homemade enemas may help relieve constipation by loosening stuck stool and encouraging bowel movements.
However, a person should talk to a healthcare provider before preparing or administering an enema at home.
The doctor will likely recommend other methods of relieving constipation, including fiber supplements, stool softeners, laxatives, and changes in diet, including an increased intake of liquids. The doctor may be able to help loosen stool in their office, as well.
Enemas come with serious health risks. A person should use caution before attempting to create their own enema at home.
Eating nuts as part of a healthy diet can be good for your heart. They may lower low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or ‘bad’) cholesterol levels. Eating nuts may reduce the risk of developing blood clots that can lead to a heart attack. Try a small handful of nuts every day. Walnuts are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Almonds, macadamia nuts, hazelnuts and pecans also are very heart healthy. Even peanuts, which are technically not a nut, but a legume, can be good for you. Of course, choosing nuts coated in sugar or salt may cancel out their heart-healthy benefits.
Nov. 14, 2019
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Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are two popular forms of massage.
Swedish massage uses long strokes and light-to-firm pressure to provide gentle relaxation. Deep tissue massage is a more forceful technique that releases tension deep in the muscles and connective tissues.
As Swedish massage is the basis for many deep tissue techniques, the two therapies share many similarities. There are also some key differences that may help a person decide which method will be best for them.
Read on to find out about the different massage therapies and their intended uses. We also provide tips on how to prepare for a massage session.
Swedish massage forms the basis of deep tissue massage. However, there are some distinct differences between the two massage therapies. These include:
Share on PinterestSwedish massage uses a series of light, long strokes to ease surface tension and stimulate circulation in the muscles.
Deep tissue massage may include strokes similar to those of Swedish massage, but the therapist will apply the strokes more forcefully.
This intensity helps release tension in the deeper layers of muscle and in the connective tissues, or fascia, beneath the muscles.
The massage types also vary in the degree of pressure that the therapist applies.
Swedish massage involves long strokes using light-to-firm pressure. This style generally provides a more relaxing experience, but the pressure may not be enough for some people.
In contrast, deep tissue massage applies much more pressure to release tension deep within the muscles and fascia. It may be too strong for people who simply want a relaxing massage.
The massage types also vary in their intended uses.
Swedish massage is a popular massage for relaxation. The light-to-moderate pressure is good for relieving light muscle tension and stress. It can leave a person feeling rejuvenated.
Deep tissue massage is mainly for working out deep muscle tension or aiding recovery from a muscle strain. To achieve this, the therapist must apply greater pressure, and this can cause some discomfort. As a result, deep tissue massage is typically not for relaxation or stress relief.
Swedish massage involves long, gliding strokes in combination with kneading and friction to release surface tension.
Swedish massage uses five basic strokes, which form the basis of many other types of massage therapy. The five basic strokes are:
Swedish massage is a lighter form of massage. It may be best for people who simply require stress relief.
Stress can exacerbate the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). A 2016 study investigated whether Swedish massage could reduce symptoms of GAD in people who were not receiving treatment for the disorder.
Over 6 weeks, some participants received Swedish massage twice a week, while a control group received light touch only. In comparison with the control group, the participants who received the Swedish massage had significant reductions in their anxiety scores. The researchers concluded that Swedish massage might be an effective treatment for GAD.
Swedish massage may also be beneficial for people with circulatory issues. A 2013 study found that a 4 week course of weekly Swedish massage sessions reduced heart rate and blood pressure in women with hypertension.
During deep tissue massage, the therapist applies slow, forceful strokes. These help release knots and strains in the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue.
The overall aim is to realign the muscles and release chronic muscle tension from ailments or injuries.
Deep tissue massage can be slightly uncomfortable at times, especially when the therapist is working on a knot in the muscle. However, deep tissue massage should not be painful. Forcing very tight muscles or knots may do more damage to the delicate areas.
Deep tissue massage is popular among people who are recovering from muscle injuries due to sports or an accident.
People who have structural abnormalities of the spine and muscles may also benefit from deep tissue massage. This form of massage can often help release chronic muscle tension and promote correct muscle function.
Before making an appointment, people should consider the type of massage that will best suit their needs. Many massage therapy practices will specialize in certain forms of therapy, such as sports injury recovery or pregnancy massage. Finding a suitable specialist increases the likelihood of a more effective and enjoyable massage.
Some people get more out of the massage session if they have managed to de-stress beforehand. A visit to a sauna or spa can be a good way to release tension.
It is also a good idea to shower before the appointment, both as a common courtesy to the massage therapist and to provide peace of mind to the person receiving the massage.
Before the session begins, a person should talk to the therapist about their preferred level of pressure during the massage. People can also mention any muscle tensions or sore spots on which they would like the therapist to work. It is also important to make the therapist aware of any injuries or sensitive areas to avoid.
Swedish massage and deep tissue massage are popular forms of massage therapy. Although some of their techniques are similar, they differ in the amount of pressure that they involve and in their intended purpose.
Swedish massage helps promote circulation and relax the surface muscles. Deep tissue massage works into the deeper layers of muscle and connective tissue to remove knots or chronic tension.
To find a massage session beneficial, people must choose the technique that best suits their needs. An accredited massage therapist will be able to offer further advice and guidance.
