The Curious Connection Between Migraines And Seasonal Allergies
If you have allergies, then you know they are usually the worst during the months of the late summer and through the fall. That means allergy season is right around the corner. To make matters worse, experts are saying that Texas can expect a more severe spring allergy season than usual. This could be due to the deep freeze that the state saw in February. The extreme weather conditions pushed the release of tree pollen closer to the start of grass pollen season, which means there are more allergens in the air.
Allergic conditions are one of the most common health issues that affect individuals in the U.S., particularly children. In 2018, 7.7% of adults and 7.2% of children were diagnosed with hay fever, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, causes cold-like signs and symptoms, like a runny nose, itchy eyes, congestion, sneezing, and sinus pressure. Allergic rhinitis causes inflammation and nasal congestion, which can activate the trigeminal nerve that is responsible for providing sensation to the face.
Are There Herbs To Help Me
The most effective herbs in the treatment of seasonal allergies headaches are those which help tackle the root of the problem.
The well-known Swiss naturopath, Alfred Vogel devised a remedy for seasonal allergies combining seven different tropical herbs. This formula can be found in Pollinosan Allergy Relief Spray, a non-drowsy remedy which can be used to combat allergies to pollen as well as to animals and dust.
If you are suffering from a sinus headache and feel that a decongestant may ease your symptoms, then Sinna Nasal Spray may bring you the relief you are seeking. It relieves nasal congestion, reduces inflammation of mucous membranes and supports the bodys natural protective function.
What About Conventional Medicines
Conventional medicines can be used to treat seasonal allergies symptoms.
In general, doctors are likely to advise anti-histamines to combat the excess release of histamine in the body. Anti-histamines can be bought over-the-counter, and can be taken as required to tackle symptoms or as a preventative measure. Some anti-histamines cause drowsiness and so you may need to be careful when driving or using machinery.
In extreme cases and for quick but short-term relief, your doctor may suggest a course of steroids. It is inadvisable to use steroid treatment for more than ten days, as unpleasant side-effects may be seen with long-term usage.
Other forms of treatment that may be recommended include cromoglycate tablets or sprays. They work by reducing the tendency of your immune system to react to pollen.
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Symptoms And Causes Of Allergy Headaches
According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology , both sinus headaches and migraines can be linked to allergies, although there is some suggestion that what many people believe is an allergy headache is in fact a migraine or tension headache.
If you are experiencing a headache in the front of your head as well as your sinuses, ears, or teeth, it may be caused by your allergies. Other signs and symptoms that the head pain you are experiencing may be connected to your allergies include a runny or itchy nose, nasal congestion, and itchy or watery eyes.
An allergy headache can be triggered by certain foods or smoke, pollen, mold, dust, and other allergens, as well as by stress or nasal and sinus congestion.
The Connection Between Allergies And Headaches
Seasonal allergiesalso called allergic rhinitis or hay fevercan cause itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing, or a cough. In some people, allergies can also cause headaches. There are several effective treatments, from home remedies to over-the-counter and prescription medications, that can keep your allergy symptoms at bay, including headache.
If youre suffering from allergy symptoms or a headache of any kind, talk with your healthcare provider to determine possible causes and treatment. In this article, Ill outline some allergy symptoms, including sinus headaches and migraines as symptoms of allergies.
Ill also explore causes of allergies, and how to know if your headache is linked to allergies. Finally, Ill cover how to treat allergy headaches, and other common causes of headaches.
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What About Home Remedies
According to a Medline Plus article, some home remedies for allergic rhinitis could help you too, like a nasal wash treatment for manually rinsing your sinuses.
In addition, a Healthline article suggests other home remedies that could reduce symptoms, such as bromelain and honey. As with any home remedies, you should check with your doctor before giving them a try.
Beyond the above suggestions, making lifestyle changes can be a great way to control your allergies. Besides avoiding the things youâre allergic to as much as possible, âallergy-proofingâ your home can help.
Thereâs a lot you can do to allergy proof, like installing a HEPA filter, getting mattress and pillow covers, swapping carpets for hard floors, and keeping pets out of your bedroom .
Dealing with migraine pain is tough, especially if you also have seasonal allergies. But, the good news is that both conditions are manageable with lifestyle changes and treatments. The first step to feeling better? Talking to your doctor about your symptoms to see where it makes sense for you to start.
The information provided in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided in this article for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your doctor.
Consider Immunotherapy Allergy Drops
While allergy medications provide short-term relief from symptoms, and often lose their effectiveness if overused, immunotherapy is a more long-term approach to allergy fatigue treatment. Immunotherapy slowly introduces the body to more and more of the allergen it is allergic to so that it builds up a tolerance and no longer reacts as strongly. Allergy shots are an older form of immunotherapy that are very effective, but this treatment has some associated risks and requires frequent office visits. Allergy drops are just as effective but can be done easily from home with daily drops under the tongue, making this one of the best ways to manage and eliminate allergies causing fatigue.
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How To Get Tested For Allergies Causing Fatigue
As we have discussed above, both seasonal and year-round allergies can cause fatigue. Getting tested is the first step to feeling better if your allergies are triggered by pollens, animal dander, mold, dust mites, cockroaches, weather changes or possibly something else.â
âToday, testing for allergies can be both convenient and accurate. When combined with a detailed medical history, allergy testing can very often identify the specific trigger of your symptoms.âSays Ivor Emanuel, M.D, board certified allergy & otolaryngology specialist.
If your fatigue is caused by allergies, the best treatment is to get your allergies under control. Once you have been tested and have identified your allergies, you can work on avoiding triggers and controlling your environment. There are also other non-pharmaceutical and non drowsy medications available today.
Common allergy tests include:
- IgE Blood tests If you have allergies, your blood will contain certain IgE antibodies that show youâre sensitivity to many possible allergen triggers.
- Skin tests This involves pricking your skin with a needle to expose you to a small amount of an allergen. If youâre allergic, youâll develop a raised bump on the area of the allergen prick you are reacting to.
- Physical exam There are many physical signs of allergies, from skin irritation to nasal and breathing problems. These may help your doctor diagnose your allergies.
Tips And Best Practices For Aftercare
After you receive Botox, whether it be for migraine prevention or cosmetic purposes, there are some steps you can take to ensure its benefits last as long as possible. Some ways you can make your recovery process easier include:
- Taking it easy for the day
After receiving Botox treatments, experts do not recommend lying down for at least four hours. Relaxing will prevent any extra swelling from occurring. It will also prevent the material from migrating to other areas of the face, which can lead to muscle weakness in those areas. While Botox is generally a noninvasive treatment, you will be slightly sore after receiving the first treatment. Therefore, it is not recommended to exercise intensely for the day following Botox.
- Avoiding extra pressure on the injection site
We do not recommend touching the injection site with your hands or adding extra pressure to the site for at least four hours after the treatment. Even minimal amounts of pressure could encourage the material to migrate away from the site of injection. Avoiding touching the area will also prevent sensitivity and pain.
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Can Allergies Give You A Headache Yes Heres How To Find Relief Asap
Spring allergies can cause a slew of unpleasant symptoms, including painful headaches.
- Spring allergies can cause a slew of unpleasant symptoms, such as a stuffy nose, watery eyes, cough, and even headaches.
- Allergy headaches often stem from inflammation and can cause sinus pain.
- Doctors explain the distinct symptoms of allergy headaches and the best treatment options to consider.
Spring can be flat-out miserable if you struggle with seasonal allergies. High pollen counts can leave sufferers battling a stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, and watery eyes, among other unpleasant issues. But some allergy sufferers may notice another symptom thats not mentioned often: a headache.
Heres the thing: Headaches happen for all sorts of reasons, and it can be tough to know whether the pain is due to a particularly nasty allergy season or something else. Whatever the cause, youll likely want to do everything you can to feel better. Here, experts explain how to tell if your headache is stemming from spring allergies. Plus, how to find relief ASAP.
Can Treating My Allergies Prevent Migraine Attacks
So, if you have allergies and migraine, what can you do to feel better?
Well, you can start by treating your allergies. Just like with other migraine triggers, avoiding the trigger in the first place can help you have fewer attacks.
One study found that immunotherapy for allergies helped younger patients get headaches less often.
That said, Dr. Crystal has noticed in her own practice that for some of her patients, starting allergy shots can cause migraine to get worse in the short-term. âPre-treating with an anti-inflammatory prior to the shots may help.â
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Do Seasonal Allergies Cause Migraines
what carrier oil should i use for migraines
If youre one of the millions of people who suffer from seasonal allergies, you may also experience migraines. Up to 58% of people who have migraines say that their headaches are related to their allergies. In this blog post, well explore the link between seasonal allergies and migraines, and share some tips for how you can manage your symptoms.
Many people suffer from seasonal allergies, and for some, these allergies can lead to migraines. While the exact cause of migraines is still unknown, there are a few theories about how allergies might trigger these debilitating headaches. One theory is that histamines, which are released in response to an allergic reaction, constrict blood vessels in the brain. This constriction can then lead to a drop in blood pressure, resulting in a migraine. Another theory is that allergens cause inflammation in the sinuses, which can lead to pressure on the nerves and blood vessels in the head, causing a migraine. Whatever the exact mechanism may be, it is clear that for some people, seasonal allergies can be a real headache.
Do Allergies Trigger Migraine Attacks
In short, yes, allergies can trigger migraine attacks.
A study found that migraine is more common in people with seasonal allergies, and, if youâre a migraine sufferer, getting seasonal allergies can make your migraine attacks more frequent.
âThis may be related to inflammation caused by allergic rhinitis,â says Dr. Crystal, âor by direct activation of the trigeminal nerve from nasal congestion.â
Sometimes allergies cause migraine attacks in a more roundabout way. For example, allergies can interrupt sleep, which in turn triggers an attack. And, according to the American Migraine Foundation, medications used to treat allergies and asthma, like Albuterol inhalers, can also trigger headaches.
Since allergies and migraine can interact in several different ways , it can get a little confusing.
âItâs important to note that migraine and allergic rhinitis are both highly prevalent diseases, frequently co-exist, and may share common mechanisms,â says Dr. Crystal. âPeople with migraine may experience more severe migraine symptoms with co-existing allergies.â
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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.
How To Prevent Allergy
Step one is getting to the source of whats causing your allergies in the first place. An allergist can help you do just that. He or she can perform allergy testing by skin testing or by blood work to help identify any allergy triggers, says Patricia Takach, M.D., an allergist and immunologist with Penn Medicine.
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Once you know whats triggering an allergic reaction, do your best to avoid those substances, says David Corry, M.D., professor of medicine in immunology, allergy, and rheumatology at Baylor College of Medicine. That means taking steps like staying indoors on high pollen count days and making a few lifestyle changes such as showering when you come indoors, cleaning your sheets regularly, and keeping petswho can carry things like pollen and grassout of your bed. Wearing a face mask when youre outdoors can also help filter out pollen and other allergens that may be irritating.
Youll also want to do your best to prioritize sleep to help you recharge at night and keep your bodys immune system in prime working order, Dr. Wada says.
Make drinking water a priority, too. Staying well hydrated can help thin out mucous and also help with some aspects of fatigue as well, Dr. Wada says. The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommend that men aim to take in 15.5 cups of fluids a day and that women strive for 11.5 cups a day.
How to treat allergy-related fatigue
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How To Find Relief When You Have An Allergy Headache
If you have an allergist in place already, it doesnt hurt to see them to make sure your medication is working for you.
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
Flonase Allergy Relief Nasal Spray
In general, Dr. Kleva says theyll recommend that you use a nasal spray like Flonase, Rhinocort, or Nasacort to help keep things under control. However, she points out, these drugs take time to work and wont clear up your headache right away.
For quick relief, Dr. Kleva recommends reaching for an OTC antihistamine with a decongestant like Allegra-D, which you can pick up at most drugstores. These shouldnt be used longterm, though, she says.
Its also a good idea to avoid your triggers as best you can, Dr. Wright says .
And if youre still struggling, see your doctor. They can make recommendations based on your individual needs to help clear up your allergy headaches once and for all.
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How To Know If Your Headache Is Linked To Allergies
If you have pressure in your sinuses along with other allergy symptomsand you know you suffer from seasonal allergiesits likely you have a sinus headache. If you have a severe headache and allergy symptoms, its possible you have a migraine induced by allergies.
Still not sure? Your healthcare provider or a K doctor can help you determine the cause of your headache and recommend treatment.
Also Check: Do You Get A Cough With Allergies
Why Does My Body Ache And I Feel Tired All The Time
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome is a condition that causes you to feel exhausted and weak, no matter how much rest or sleep you get. It often causes insomnia. Because your body doesnt feel rested or replenished, CFS can also cause aches in the muscles and joints throughout your body.
Seasonal Allergies Can Make You Tired
Are you struggling to fall asleep at night and experiencing fatigue throughout the day? You may be experiencing seasonal allergies. Depending on your trigger, allergies can make you feel exhausted. By educating yourself on the various triggers and symptoms for allergies, and planning a visit to AFC Urgent Care Toms River, you can find much-needed relief for your seasonal allergies.
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