Vertigo and Allergy Season: How Springtime in Greenville, SC Can Affect Your Balance

Springtime in Greenville, SC, brings blooming flowers, warmer temperatures, and unfortunately, an increase in pollen and allergens.

While many associate seasonal allergies with sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes, did you know that allergies can also trigger vertigo? If you've been feeling off-balance, dizzy, or experiencing a spinning sensation, your inner ear and the changing seasons could be to blame.

How Allergies Can Trigger Vertigo

Your vestibular system, which controls balance and spatial orientation, is located in your inner ear. During allergy season, pollen and environmental allergens can cause inflammation and congestion in the sinuses and Eustachian tubes, which connect the middle ear to the throat. When these tubes become blocked or swollen, it can disrupt fluid balance in the inner ear, leading to vertigo symptoms such as:

• Dizziness or a spinning sensation

• Feeling lightheaded or off-balance

• Ear fullness or pressure

• Increased sensitivity to motion

• Nausea

For those already managing vestibular disorders, allergy season can intensify symptoms, making everyday activities more challenging.

Why Greenville’s Allergy Season is Tough on Your Inner Ear

Greenville, SC, is known for its beautiful scenery and lush greenery, but it's also home to high pollen counts in the spring and fall. Common allergens in the area include:

• Tree Pollen: Oak, pine, and birch trees release significant amounts of pollen in the spring.

• Grass Pollen: Peaks in late spring and early summer.

• Ragweed Pollen: A major culprit in the fall, contributing to prolonged allergy symptoms.

With these environmental factors at play, residents of Greenville often experience worsened allergy symptoms, including vertigo episodes.

How Rebalance Physical Therapy Can Help

At Rebalance Physical Therapy, we specialize in treating vestibular dysfunctions, including vertigo related to seasonal allergies. Our expert vestibular therapists use advanced assessments to determine if your dizziness is caused by inner ear dysfunction, and we tailor a treatment plan to help restore balance and stability. Our approach includes:

• Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT): Customized exercises to improve balance and reduce dizziness.

• Eustachian Tube Drainage Techniques: Techniques to alleviate pressure and restore proper fluid flow.

• Gaze Stabilization Training: Exercises to improve visual focus and coordination.

• RightEye Technology Testing: A specialized tool that allows us to analyze your eye tracking and vestibular function to identify specific deficits related to dizziness.

Additional Tips for Managing Allergy-Related Vertigo

If you’re struggling with dizziness during allergy season, here are a few ways to find relief:

1. Limit Pollen Exposure: Keep windows closed and use an air purifier to reduce allergens indoors.

2. Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help thin mucus and improve sinus drainage.

3. Use a Saline Rinse: Nasal irrigation can help clear out allergens and reduce sinus congestion.

4. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keeping a dizziness journal (like the one available through our Amazon storefront) can help track your triggers and progress.

5. Seek Vestibular Therapy: If vertigo persists, professional treatment can address the root cause and help you regain stability.

Get Relief from Allergy-Induced Vertigo Today

Don’t let allergy season disrupt your daily life. If you’re experiencing persistent dizziness or balance issues, Rebalance Physical Therapy is here to help. Our team specializes in vestibular rehabilitation and can develop a customized plan to reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Schedule a FREE 15 minute phone call today and take the first step toward feeling steady and confident again!