Don’t let Allergies Impact your Pelvic Floor!
Spring in Atlanta is one of the most beautiful seasons with crisp air, warm sunshine and flowers in bloom. This is also the season of pollen, or “southern snow,” which means, it is also allergy season–achoo! While coughing, sneezing and clearing your throat are all normal reactions to allergies, these actions can lead to pelvic floor problems. How does this make sense and what can we do to prevent problems during peak allergy season?
Consider Adding A Pelvic PT To Your Healthcare Team
When dealing with any health issue, it is important to consider the players on our healthcare team. Someone with allergy symptoms will have a healthcare team that may include: an allergist, a dermatologist, a specialized doctor (or all 3!) depending on how severe the allergies are. Most people wouldn’t think to add a pelvic PT to the team–but it could be so helpful! Here is why…
Allergies Linked To Incontinence and Pelvic Pain
The pelvic floor muscles sit below our pelvic organs and are there to give support, especially during times of increased demand, for example, during a cough or sneeze. However, if the pelvic floor muscles are weak, tight or not well-trained, the muscles may not be capable of providing the right support that is needed. If this is the case, you may start to notice incontinence with coughing. Other symptoms may present as pressure or heaviness that worsens as the cough worsens. When someone coughs multiple times throughout the day, they are causing increased abdominal pressure and subsequent downwards pressure on the bladder (and the rest of the pelvic organs).
How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help With Allergies
A pelvic floor PT can assess your pelvic floor muscles and prescribe appropriate exercises for you. These exercises are not “one size fits all” and should be specific to what you need. Strong and healthy pelvic floor muscles are needed to provide support during a coughing or sneezing attack. If you notice any pelvic problems starting or worsening during this allergy season–don’t wait, find a pelvic PT in your area to add to your team. It will help protect you during this allergy season and the many more to come!
Connect With Our Expert Pelvic Health Physical Therapists
Southern Pelvic Health is here to support you, connect with our team today for an in person consult at our two Atlanta locations or meet virtually!