Can Allergies Make You Feel Hot?
Allergies themselves do not directly cause a feeling of being hot. However, certain allergy symptoms and related conditions can indirectly lead to feelings of warmth or overheating.
While a fever is not a symptom of allergies, some allergy sufferers report feeling warm or experiencing hot flashes. This sensation is not caused by the allergy itself but could be related to several factors:
- Inflammation: Allergic reactions trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can sometimes manifest as a feeling of warmth or flushed skin.
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS): In some individuals with MCAS, a condition related to allergic reactions, allergy flares can cause a feeling of being hot. This is because MCAS involves the excessive release of histamine and other inflammatory mediators, which can lead to various symptoms, including warmth and flushing. (Source: Reddit thread - r/Allergies)
- Anaphylaxis: Although rare, a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) can involve a feeling of warmth and flushing as part of a cascade of bodily responses.
Conditions Worsened by Allergies that Can Cause Fever
It's important to differentiate between an allergy itself and other conditions it can exacerbate. Allergies, particularly those affecting the nasal passages, are risk factors for sinus infections. Sinus infections can cause a fever, creating a situation where someone might experience both allergy symptoms and fever. (Source: Mayo Clinic, HealthPartners Blog, Paul Young MD)
Other Factors Affecting Temperature Perception
Environmental factors play a role in how we perceive temperature. For instance, stuffy noses, a common allergy symptom, can interfere with normal thermoregulation, potentially leading to feelings of overheating.
Conclusion
Feeling hot is not a direct symptom of allergies, but several associated factors, including inflammation, MCAS, anaphylaxis and related secondary infections can contribute to a feeling of warmth. It's crucial to identify the underlying cause of these symptoms for appropriate management.