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Can You Get Migraines From Allergies

How To Diagnose Allergy Headache

How to get rid of migraine headaches naturally and fast!

If you are experiencing allergy symptoms, such as a headache, it is important to get tested and diagnosed by a professional. Knowing what your triggers are will help you find more effective treatment plans and long-term relief from your symptoms. There are two primary methods of allergy testing available.

Allergy Testing & Management

Allergies can be mistaken for other common conditions such as seasonal colds or COVID-19. If you suffer from migraines, keeping track of your symptoms and triggers is essential. This can help you and your doctor identify whether allergies are a possible trigger for your migraines.

If you believe you have allergies, our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can perform allergy testing to help you determine whether your migraines are due to undiagnosed allergies.

Reducing Your Allergy Symptoms

There are some steps you can take to avoid or lessen your exposure to allergens, including:

  • Keep your home clean and free of dust and other allergens.
  • Avoid pet dander by keeping pets out of your home or by taking allergy medication before coming into contact with them.
  • Stay indoors when pollen levels are high.
  • Use a mold inhibitor in your home.
  • Avoid foods that you are allergic to.

Allergy Treatments

If you take these steps and find that allergies are still triggering your migraines, you may want to consider allergy shots, allergy drops, or other treatments. Talk to your doctor about whether allergy shots may be right for you.

Migraine And Sinus Headache Have Overlapping Symptoms

Part of the reason for confusion is because oftentimes, migraine-related headaches mimic what people typically think of as sinus headaches, she explains. You can have pain over the sinuses and over the face with both types of headache. With migraine, there can also be symptoms that are similar to allergy symptoms, like a stuffy or runny nose and eye tearing, and that overlap can be why patients are misdiagnosed, says Hamilton.

However, there are some key symptoms of migraine that you wont find in other types of headaches, which can include nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, and sound sensitivity, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

Some people with migraine have a visual aura that includes bright spots, lights, or colors prior to the onset of an attack, which wouldnt happen in a tension-type or sinus headache.

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How Do You Treat Headaches From Allergies

If you’re dealing with an allergy-induced headache, several home-based and over-the-counter solutions can help. If you’re working with home-based solutions, it’s crucial to identify the allergen triggering the headache. Then, you can use a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies to reduce inflammation and alleviate the pain.

Great home-based options include drinking more water, using a cold compress, or trying relaxation techniques.

In some cases, OTC medications may be recommended to help temporarily reduce the symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories , antihistamines, and decongestants are two popular options for treating headaches due to allergies. OTC medications like aspirin, Tylenol , and Advil can also help relieve your headache. It’s important to follow the directions on the packaging and talk to your doctor if you experience any adverse effects.

If you are not getting enough relief from home remedies and OTC medications, immunotherapy might be right for you.

When To See A Doctor

Can Seasonal Allergies Cause Migraine?

Managing allergies is often possible by using medications, such as antihistamines, and avoiding exposure to triggers. If your symptoms are severe, treatments and self-help techniques arent working, or youre prone to headaches and migraines that could be linked to your allergies, its important to see your doctor.

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How A Headache Diary Can Help

To figure out if your allergies are a trigger for migraines, you can keep a headache diary.

Dr. Elliot suggests maintaining a headache diary for two weeks, recording your activities and diet as well as any headaches, facial pain or pressure, congestion, itchy eyes, and/or runny nose. She also advises completing the Rhinitis Control Assessment Test at least three times per week. But this isnt something you need to figure out all on your own. Meet with an allergist to review your diary and they will help you draw conclusions, she says.

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Can Allergies Increase Migraine Frequency

Studies show that allergies can increase the frequency of migraine. One study¹ showed that migraine frequency in patients with allergic rhinitis was four times higher than in the control group. While people with AR are more likely to experience sinus headaches, high nitric oxide levels are produced in AR and have a vasodilator effect, which contributes to migraine.

Other studies showed that if you have hay fever and asthma, your attacks are likely to be 14 to 28% more frequent², and you are also 2.1 times more likely to develop chronic migraine. You’re also more likely to have migraine in the first place if you have allergic rhinitis and more likely to have asthma if you have migraine.

This all indicates that there is likely a fairly strong connection, through inflammation, between allergies and migraine.

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Should I See A Specialist For Headaches Caused By Allergies

If over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes do not fix your allergy headaches, this can lead to additional problems associated with nasal allergies, such as chronic sinus infections. When allergies cause congestion over a significant period of time, this can eventually cause sinus blockages, which can lead to a sinus infection.

If your allergy headaches and other allergy symptoms persist, it is important to see an allergy or sinus specialist. This specialist can perform an allergy skin test to evaluate your allergies, and even conduct a sinus CAT scan to evaluate your sinuses. An allergist can also recommend stronger, prescription treatments that may be more effective than over-the-counter medications for relieving your symptoms.

If you are struggling to stay on top of your headaches and other allergy symptoms, the experts at Aspire Allergy & Sinus are ready to help. Contact us to make your first appointment and start feeling better faster!

What Does An Allergy Headache Feel Like

What is Causing Your Headaches?

When you experience a headache caused by allergies, you may feel them in any of these spaces within your sinuses. It may even feel like your face, rather than your head, is what really hurts. You may have pain in the cheeks that radiates to your jaw and teeth. You may feel pain on the top of your head.

Allergies may also trigger a migraine headache. This type of headache may include throbbing, and is usually felt on one side of the head. You may find that the pain gets worse in sunlight or that you also feel nauseated.

The skull has a series of connected, hollow spaces known as sinuses, which are lined with soft tissue and a layer of mucus. These sinuses help humidify and filter the air you breathe, and help drain the nose. Allergy symptoms often appear in the sinuses, like when your nose is running or stuffed up.

Some of the spaces that make up the sinuses are found in the:

  • Between or behind the eyes
  • Behind the nose

You may experience headaches and pain if your sinuses are swollen or their openings are obstructed. This often happens with allergies. Swelling and blockage in the sinuses can prevent normal drainage and airflow, causing a buildup of pressure. Other allergy triggers, such as smoke or certain foods, can lead to headaches.

The degree of pain from an allergy headache can vary widely, from dull to almost debilitating. The level of pain may also change with your position, such as whether you are standing or lying down.

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When To See A Healthcare Provider

If you have any of the following symptoms, call your healthcare provider or go to the emergency room right away. These can be signs of a more serious health condition:

  • An excruciating headache
  • Nausea and vomiting occurring with your headache
  • Loss of consciousness or vision

If you are experiencing headaches frequently or have one that won’t resolve, consult your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

If you have questions or concerns about medications you are using to treat headaches, discuss them during your appointment. Your healthcare provider can offer additional information and instructions on how to treat your headaches safely.

How Can Allergies Cause Headaches

Conditions like allergic rhinitis and asthma, which is more common in people who have allergies, can increase the risk of headaches and migraines. Studies show that allergies can cause headaches due to the following reasons:

  • Nasal congestion irritates the trigeminal nerve, which can cause symptoms of migraines
  • Interaction between allergens and mucosal membranes in the nose triggers an inflammatory response, which can result in migraines
  • Allergy symptoms impact other aspects of health and well-being, which can trigger migraines, for example, sleep disturbances, stress, dehydration and hunger. This occurs due to changes in the bodys parasympathetic nerve system, which controls sleep and digestion.
  • Excessive mucus production in the nasal cavity can increase pressure, causing sinus pain and headaches

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Can Allergies Cause Headaches Or Trigger Migraines

Research indicates that allergies can cause headaches and trigger migraines. Studies suggest that people who have allergies are more likely to experience migraines. If you have an allergy, you may also be more susceptible to recurrent migraines.

The American Migraine Foundation found that migraines occur in 4% of people who do not suffer from allergies in comparison to 34% of people who have an allergy. Individuals who have migraines and allergies also experience migraines between 14% and 28% more frequently than people who have migraines in the absence of allergies.

In the case of asthma and allergies combined, individuals who have less frequent migraines are 50% more likely to develop chronic migraines.

Preventing Food Related Headaches

Are Migraine Headaches related to Food Allergies

Preventing food allergy headaches can be as simple as avoiding specific trigger foods once you figure out what your triggers are. But some triggers are difficult to avoid because they are found in most processed foods, this can also make those triggers difficult to find.

If youre having difficulty finding your trigger foods, it may be time to talk to a headache specialist at a headache treatment clinic to learn more about how to prevent headaches caused from allergies. Contact the National Headache Institute for more information on our cutting-edge treatments including stem cell treatment. Call today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.

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How To Treat Allergy Headaches

If you are prone to allergy headaches, treatments often focus on preventing or reducing the severity of allergic reactions. Tackling and controlling allergies can help to decrease the intensity and frequency of headaches. Treatments that are used to address allergy symptoms include:

  • Antihistamines: antihistamines are a type of drug, which block histamine, a chemical, which is released by the bodys immune system in response to an allergen. It is important to note that antihistamines can reduce the impact of allergy symptoms but they wont alleviate headaches once an individual has a migraine.
  • Immunotherapy: immunotherapy is a treatment, which involves taking allergy shots. They are designed to introduce you to allergens in very small quantities to help you modify your immune response. Researchers at the University of Cincinnati found that immunotherapy shots contributed to a 52% reduction in the frequency of migraines .

Self-help techniques can also help to prevent exposure to allergens and triggers. Examples include:

  • Stay indoors when pollen levels are high
  • Avoid certain foods if you have food allergies
  • Vacuum your home frequently to eliminate dust and dander
  • Wash your hands after touching pets

There are also treatments and methods to ease headaches, including:

  • Analgesic medication
  • Avoid bright light and loud noises
  • Learn to spot and avoid triggers

Can Allergies Cause Migraine

Recent research shows that people with allergies are more sensitive to migraine attacks. One smallerstudy found that 37% of people with allergies have migraine, compared to 5% of those who do not have allergies. The same study shows that the link between allergies and migraine increases with age. What does this mean for people with migraine and allergies? They may experience an increase in migraine attacks when their allergies are triggered. Its also possible that younger allergy sufferers who once did not have migraine attacks could start having them as they get older.

While allergies and migraine seem to have a connection, its important to note it isnt the allergens that trigger migraine attacks. Instead, it is the bodys reaction to those allergens that can cause an attack. The following allergy symptoms can likely increase migraine attack frequency:

  • Nasal congestion
  • Disruption of the parasympathetic nervous system
  • Sleep disturbance

Increased nasal congestion and inflammation can irritate the trigeminal nerve. The trigeminal nerve delivers sensory information to the brain. When irritated, the nerve can trigger a migraine attack. The parasympathetic nervous system controls functions when youre at rest, like digestion and resting heart rate. Allergy flare-ups can disrupt its operation. This will create stress and throw your body off balancepotentially causing migraine attacks.

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How Do Allergies Cause Migraine Headaches

The link is complex. Doctors are still trying to figure it out. So far, they know that your nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system all play a role.

If you get migraines, you have a sensitive nervous system. Your body tends to react very quickly, or overreact, to changes in your environment that it views as threats.

On top of that, exposure to allergens triggers your immune system to release certain chemicals. They can fuel inflammation throughout your body, all of which can set you up for a migraine.

If youâre prone to migraine headaches, your symptoms may be more severe during allergy season. Some people can also have ânonallergicâ triggers like perfume, the smell of gasoline, cigarette smoke, and weather changes.

Home Care & Natural Remedies

Sinus Drainage & Headache Relief Exercises | Sinusitis & Eustachian Tube Dysfunction Help | #1

If youve been unable to avoid allergic headache triggers, there are accessible remedies out there to treat those symptoms.How do you get rid of an allergy headache? To get rid of an allergy headache, try over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays. These remedies work to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.Lots of water, steam baths, and warm washcloths applied to areas where youre feeling the most pressure can also help relieve your symptoms if youre seeking more natural remedies.

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Treating Your Allergies & Migraine Symptoms

Migraines are a common condition caused by many things, including allergies. While migraines themselves are not allergic reactions, they can be triggered by allergies.

Keep reading to learn how our board-certified specialists at Center for Allergy and Asthma of Georgia can help alleviate your allergy-related migraine symptoms.

Even If You Have Allergies Frequent Headaches May Indicate Migraine

Hamilton suggests talking with your primary care doctor if youre having frequent headaches with allergy symptoms. That might mean that your allergies are actually triggering migraines or contributing, she says.

In that situation it might be useful to try migraine medications both as-needed, or abortive, medications and potentially preventive medications, she adds.

If it is a migraine, treating the attack with typically wont be as effective as a targeted migraine treatment, says Strauss.

A good rule of thumb is that if youre not getting complete relief of your headaches from over-the-counter medications, or if the headaches are becoming more frequent or frequent enough that you’re having to take an over-the-counter medication several times a week, you should definitely seek a doctors care, says Hamilton.

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How To Treat An Allergy Migraine

When you have an allergy migraine, youll want to treat both the migraine and the underlying allergies. Over-the-counter antihistamines can help reduce allergy symptoms, Dr. Cooper says, and in some cases can lower headache frequency when used appropriately.

As for treating migraines, talk to your doctor about the right migraine medication for you, as there are a variety of options, including over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen, migraine-specific medications like triptans and ergots, and preventative medications such as antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, and antidepressants, according to the American Migraine Foundation.

The good news is you dont have to choose whether to treat the allergies or the migraineyou can target both. Most OTC medications for allergies and headache are safe to take together when used appropriately, Dr. Cooper adds. If you have headaches more than four days per month, however, talk to your doctor, he advises. Frequently taking OTC meds like ibuprofen for headache relief can result in medication overuse headaches, which are headaches triggered by medication itself.

Find out if your allergy medications are workingor not.

Is It A Migraine Or An Allergy Migraine

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Theres a little confusion here, and thats understandable. First, migraines can cause watery eyes, stuffiness, and facial fullness, Dr. Cooper says, symptoms that often lead people to assume they have allergies.

That said, if you have known allergies and also experience migraines, the two might be related, Dr. Cooper adds, because allergy and migraine use some of the same pathways to cause symptoms in your body.

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Allergies : What Are Allergies

First off, letâs talk about allergies. Youâre probably familiar with some of the common symptoms, like a runny nose, sneezing, and itchy eyes. But what exactly happens to your body when you get allergies?

According to Cove Medical Director and migraine expert Dr. Sara Crystal, âAn allergy is a hypersensitive reaction to a substance that would not cause symptoms in the majority of people.â

Just like migraine attacks, allergies have triggers. Seasonal allergies, also known as âhay fever,â are triggered by pollen in the air, often in spring and fall. Perennial allergies are similar, except they occur year-round. They are triggered by other things in the air, like mold, pet dander, or dust mites.

Doctors have a term for both seasonal allergies and perennial allergies: allergic rhinitis.

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