Inflammation and Restless Legs – Is There a Link?
Ah yes, allergy season is in full swing. I live in a lovely neighborhood surrounded by trees, grass, and blooming plants — which sounds great, but if you’re like me, it can also mean: welcome to itch-town. 🙃
Allergies, Asthma, and Inflammation Everywhere
In previous years, I only took antihistamines when I really needed them. But this year, I decided to try taking them daily as a preventative. So far, I’ve had way fewer symptoms like sneezing fits and watery eyes — which is a win! But I still get itchy and burning eyes now and then, and the occasional skin itch too.
I also have allergic asthma, which means I sometimes get short of breath. My airways feel sensitive, almost like I’m breathing in cold air even when I’m not — it’s hard to describe, but it’s a really weird sensation. These symptoms usually start in spring and continue through July. Luckily, I have an inhaler with anti-inflammatory medication that helps manage it.
So Many Allergies, So Much Inflammation
Aside from asthma, I also have multiple allergies (to grass, trees, cats, dust mites, you name it). Oh, and I also have psoriasis — another inflammation-related condition.
When I add all that up, especially during allergy season, I feel like I become a walking inflammation hotspot. And that has to affect my immune system and nervous system, right?
Could Inflammation Be Fueling My Restless Legs?
Recently, I stumbled upon some interesting studies online that explore a possible connection between chronic inflammation and Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS).
One study in particular caught my attention. Here’s what it said:
“A total of 54 diseases, syndromes, and conditions have been reported to cause or worsen RLS. Of these, 38 show higher prevalence in affected individuals compared to controls, 9 are well-documented and widely accepted as RLS-associated, and 7 were described in case reports. Out of the 47 RLS-related conditions, 42 (89%) are also linked to inflammatory and/or immune system changes.
Additionally, 43% are associated with peripheral iron deficiency, 40% with peripheral neuropathy, and 32% with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO).
The fact that 95% of the 38 strongly linked conditions also involve immune or inflammatory changes suggests that RLS may be mediated or influenced by these processes. Inflammation might lead to iron deficiency, which in turn could cause RLS symptoms through iron-deficiency in the central nervous system. Another theory is that an immune response to gut bacteria or other antigens could trigger RLS by attacking the nervous system.”
Source: ScienceDirect
It All Starts to Make Sense…
Reading this made me think: maybe my RLS isn’t just some random annoying thing. Maybe the chronic inflammation in my body — especially during allergy season — is actually playing a major role.
It could also help explain why I’ve had such persistent issues with low ferritin (iron storage). Everything seems connected!
Something to Bring Up With the Doctor
To me, this is a fascinating theory. It’s definitely something I’ll be discussing with my doctor. Especially since typical RLS treatments haven’t worked well for me, maybe looking at underlying inflammation could open new doors.
Do you recognize the link between inflammation and restless legs? Share your experience below!