A recent Medscape article pondered whether long COVID may be associated with development of allergies. The author of the news article suggested a link partially because the findings of a recent paper “suggested long COVID is associated with persistent immune dysregulation, characterized by chronic inflammation, immune exhaustion, and disrupted energy metabolism. All of those could be contributing to the development of allergic reactions.”
The Medscape article also cited a statement from the first author of the study: “While we have not examined allergies in our long COVID cohorts, it is plausible that SARS-CoV-2 infection could contribute to increased allergic responses…”
In addition the article referenced another paper examining outcomes following COVID-19 infection: “Following SARS-CoV-2 infection, participants were 74% more likely to be diagnosed with chronic rhinosinusitis, 66% more likely to be diagnosed with asthma, and 37% more likely to be allergic rhinitis.”
The piece further included anecdotal evidence, such as one individual who reported, “I had only one allergy to milk. After COVID became allergic to legumes, brassica, dust, dander, hair, most laundry detergents, and all scented soaps.”
