You’ve probably heard the fun fact that humans are 60% water. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that our hydration levels can impact any and all bodily functions, including allergies. In the heat of summer, dehydration is common, so let’s discuss the link between the body’s water levels and allergies so you can better understand and handle your allergy symptoms.
Thinning Mucus
Mucus (or “snot”) doesn’t have a great reputation, but it’s actually a critical part of nasal and sinus health. It traps foreign invaders, like allergens, and carries them out of the body.
As mucus is approximately 98% water, it is very sensitive to your body’s fluid levels. If you’re well-hydrated, mucus is thin, clear and mobile, enabling it to carry out its duties with few issues (or tissues). When allergens enter your nose, the mucus can efficiently trap them and flush them out of the body, minimizing exposure and, subsequently, allergic reactions.
Dehydrated mucus, on the other hand, will become thick, sticky and sluggish. Thick mucus can prolong exposure to allergens because it doesn’t drain out as quickly. Longer exposure to allergens means more frequent and more severe allergic reactions.
Dry Passageways
Not only will your mucus change texture when dehydrated, but production of mucus will be decreased. This can also affect allergies.
Mucus’s other main function is to keep the nasal passages moist. If the tissues dry out, they become even more sensitive to foreign irritants. Dry airways are vulnerable airways; inflammation is much more likely to occur, worsening allergy symptoms, especially congestion.
Allergies Contribute to Dehydration
It’s a vicious cycle, but it’s true: allergies can contribute to dehydration. Increased mucus production, a runny nose and frequent sneezing all use water reserves and expel fluid from the body. This exacerbates all effects discussed above.
Correlation, Not Causation
With all that in mind, we want to stress that dehydration does not cause allergic reactions, nor does being well-hydrated prevent allergic reactions. Hydration can support your body’s natural defenses against foreign invaders and reduce the severity of your symptoms.
If you want to discuss ways to prevent and manage allergies, call our team of allergists at Willamette ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery. We can advise you on several different allergy treatments and help you with your symptoms. Call today to learn more.
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