How To Treat Vertigo Caused By Allergies?

Posted on Sun, 22 Feb 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 22 Feb 2015 Answered on

Tue, 17 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Diagnoised with mils case of vertigo due to my allergies. It is only really bad when i lay down and turn my head from right to left initially. Need to flybon Saturday next week is this ok

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
It is ok to fly.

Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your concern. Since the going up and the landing part of the flying are associated with pressure changes in the ear often with some pain and sensation of fullness it is natural to ask if that might affect your balance as well.

However generally these pressure changes which are temporary, during the first and last 30 minutes have a minimal if any effect at all on vertigo and it is not contraindicated to fly.

In order to minimize the symptoms some simple measures can be applied like chewing a gum, staying well hydrated and also taking an antihistaminic drug and a nasal decongestant before the flight (which you are perhaps already taking).

I hope to have been of help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Olsi Taka (5 hours later)

Thank you Dr. Taka, my allergist in DC said I had to stop allergy shots after 8 years. She said it was long enough this XXXXXXX made 1 year. I never had this feeling before, always felt loopy, head feeling like a balloon and equlibrium being off but not this horrible feeling when laying down and turning my head to the left. What over the counter medicine would you recommed that could help? My internal medicine doctor said this would go away in a few days, its been since Wednesday and still feel it. This is my last question. Thank you very much

Answered by Dr. Olsi Taka (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Meclizine is a common option.

Detailed Answer:
One of the most used drugs to alleviate symptoms of vertigo is Meclizine.

I believe it is available in the US as an over the counter medication approved for the treatment of vertigo or motion sickness. Can cause some drowsiness so keep that in mind if you have to drive or operate some sort of machinery.

Dosage for vertigo starts from 25mg a day and could be increased if necessary to 100mg a day (in three divided doses daily).

I hope you will get better soon.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar