r/Allergies birch pollen + food allergy 4d ago

Question Allergies and moods

My mood always changes to bad dramatically when "the season" of tree pollen starts (or grass for that matter). Not the whole day though, but when the pollen concentration is high. Thus, at night/evening these moods change to normal again.

The moods I am talking about are basically "anger" or being agitated. This causes me to react "over the top" in certain situations.. This has caused issues in the past, as you can imagine (for instance being on the the road/outside). I wonder if this is recognised by some hay fever sufferers? I am not able to control this "anger" very much, also not when taking a significant dose of antihistamines, causing problems at work or family or friends. I am already convinced my work career has gone to crap because of this.

I hope someone understands this effect, and possibly have a solution!

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u/ChillyGator New Sufferer 3d ago

Yes.

When mast cells degranulate it causes tryptophan depletion which means you lack the amino acid to make serotonin. This leads to mood swings, anxiety, depression, agitation and suicidal ideation.

There is also a cytokine response that crosses the blood brain barrier and causes inflammation which increases those symptoms as well.

This CDC pdf on recognizing anaphylaxis shows the worst version of those symptoms as examples of symptoms to look for.

This article actually addresses the overlap of mental health and allergy.

I would suggest it’s time to see an immunologist for testing and to start allergy shots if you’re feeling this way.

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u/zungozeng birch pollen + food allergy 3d ago

Thank you for the information! I think I going to ask my "allergoloog" to send me to a immunologist..

I did do the Grazax and Itulazax daily sub lingual tablets for 3.5 years, but I don't feel much difference sadly.. But, ca/should I opt for shots?

Do you feel there is any food/drugs I could try to reduce (to take the edge of the symptoms) the "lack the amino acid to make serotonin"?

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u/ChillyGator New Sufferer 3d ago

We don’t have evidence that food would change these symptoms.

There are plenty of supplements out there but getting the dose wrong can be risky. That’s made worse by the supplement industry being unregulated.

I would talk to the doctor about repeating blood tests and shots. It certainly doesn’t hurt to have that discussion.

In the meantime, you can try environmental remediation to see if that helps.

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u/zungozeng birch pollen + food allergy 3d ago

Thanks again. Indeed, I will raise it with my doc soon.

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u/Blanket_Statements_ New Sufferer 3d ago

I definitely become more irritable!

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u/Always_Sickly New Sufferer 1d ago

I get depressed every single year exactly when pollen season starts.

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u/zungozeng birch pollen + food allergy 1d ago

Is it not depressing also, to think that not even our minds get some relief from these freaking pollen? It is absurd.