You may not realize that there’s a strong link between allergic reactions and headaches. Often, allergies are associated with sinus- and throat-related symptoms, but our sinuses and throats are intimately connected with our faces and heads.
How Can Allergies Cause Headaches?
Allergic reactions cause inflammation and swelling, particularly in the nasal passages. This swelling builds up pressure in the sinuses and causes a sinus headache. When suffering from a sinus headache, you’ll feel congested and the buildup of pressure behind your face, especially behind your nose, brow and cheekbones. The pain may even extend to your teeth if you develop an infection, and it may increase when you bend down.
How Can I Be Sure Allergies Are the Cause of My Headache?
Various things can cause headaches, so it can be difficult to know what exactly is causing your headache. However, if you’re experiencing a headache alongside other allergy-like symptoms, such as sneezing, a runny nose, itchy eyes or a rash, then allergies are a likely culprit. Another indicator that your headaches are allergy-related is if they come seasonally or seem triggered by an allergen, like dust or pet dander.
How Can I Treat a Sinus Headache?
The best way to manage an allergy headache is to manage your allergies. Whenever possible, avoid your allergic triggers: stay inside when the pollen count is high or keep the dust in your home low, for example.
Allergy medications may also help manage allergy-related headaches. Antihistamines reduce inflammation, and decongestants can relieve sinus pressure and congestion. Over-the-counter pain relievers can also reduce headache pain.
Can Allergies Cause Migraines?
There does appear to be a connection between allergies and migraines, but their exact relationship needs more research. Migraines are severe headaches that are characterized by debilitating pain, sensitivity to noise and light, nausea, vision changes and more.
One theory on how allergies can affect migraines is that inflammation, which is caused by allergies as discussed above, occurs throughout the body, pushing on the nervous system and affecting brain activity. If you already suffer from migraines and you notice that they come more frequently during allergy season or when exposed to a common allergen, consult with an allergist or your healthcare provider about a possible link between the two.
If you have any questions about allergies and their relationship to headaches, call Carolina Ear Nose & Throat – Sinus and Allergy Center to find out more. You can also learn more about our allergy testing and allergy treatment services, as well!