Stress is the body’s response to conflict or situations, both internal and external, that interfere with the normal balance in life. Virtually all of the body’s systems, including the digestive system, cardiovascular system, nervous system and immune system, make adjustments in response to stress. When you are feeling anxious or stressed, your body releases numerous hormones and other chemicals, including histamine. Histamine is a powerful chemical that can lead to allergy-like symptoms.
Stress does not cause allergies, but it can make an existing reaction worse by increasing the level of histamine in the bloodstream.