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Do You Get Headaches With Allergies

Could A Hidden Allergy Be Causing Your Migraines

How to get quick relief from Headaches caused by Allergies? – Dr. Sriram Nathan

Do you get headaches often? Do they interfere with your life? Repeated headaches and migraines have a significant effect on quality-of-life and productivity at the personal level. Collectively migraines and other associated symptoms cost the US economy over ten billion dollars per year , with an estimated 10% to 15% of the population, mostly women, suffering from repeated migraines . If youve ever tried to see a doctor about repeated migraines, youll know that the condition is poorly understood. Medications are available, but prevention is another matter entirely since it is extremely difficult to determine the primary underlying causes in any given individual. Stress levels, hormones, sleep patterns, and even the weather are listed as culprits . Obviously, all of these factors can be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to control without making major life-style changes . On the other hand, specific food triggers are rarely mentioned, despite the fact that 50% of migraine sufferers avoid specific foods . Arguably, eliminating a few foods from your diet could potentially be much easier to manage, but scientists are only just beginning to find concrete evidence for the role of food in migraines, and as a result the approach is not standard practice with most doctors.

Amy Sutton is a PhD candidate in the Harvard University department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology.

References

Allergy Basics. WebMD. . April 12, 2013.

Allergies And Migraine: How Do They Affect You

Migraine and allergies are never fun. So, what do you do if you have both? Read on to learn how seasonal allergies can affect migraine.

Nice weather draws many of us to enjoy the great outdoors. But what if you experience both migraine and seasonal allergies? In that case, the extra time outside could increase migraine and allergy symptoms. Learn how you can lower the likelihood of migraine attacks during allergy season.

Warm Or Cold Compress

Relieving sinus pressure can put you under a lot of stress, but for some people, it might be as simple as warming up a towel and placing it over your forehead.

The heat from the towel opens up your sinuses by easing the swelling within your nasal passageways. All you need to do is run the towel under warm water. Then, wring it out to feel damp but not soaking. Finally, lay down, fold the towel, and place it on your forehead just around the bridge of your nose. Its simple and relaxing, and you can do it as often as you want.

Some people also find relief by supplementing the warm compress with a cold compress every three to five minutes. Theres not any scientific evidence to show that this works, but many people use this method to alleviate pressure. Its worth a try if that sinus headache just wont go away with a warm compress alone.

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Persistent Headache More Typical Of Migraine Than Allergies

Trying to determine what is headache due to migraine versus what is a headache due to allergies is a common issue, says Hamilton. We know that a lot of people can have a misdiagnosis of sinus headaches or headaches from allergies, when in fact their headaches are from migraine.

Hamilton points to a study published in JAMA Internal Medicine that found that 88 percent of people with a history of sinus headaches actually had a migraine-type headache. A large percentage of people were misdiagnosed, she says.

The fact is, headache is not a very common symptom, in and of itself, of seasonal allergies or allergic rhinitis. Its much more common to have symptoms such as nasal congestion, like a stuffy nose or runny nose, and eye watering, says Hamilton.

If you do have a headache that persists, it might not be just allergies, she says. That might be an indication that there’s also migraine going on. Typically, headache can be due a sinus infection or viral or bacterial infection, but it’s rare to have a significant headache from just allergy symptoms, says Hamilton.

What Is The Link Between Migraine And Allergies

Get A Headache After Eating? You Could Be Histamine Intolerant ...

According to the American Migraine Foundation, one study found that migraine occurred in 34% of people who have allergies, compared to 4% of people who do not have allergies. Asthma is also more common in people who get migraine compared to people who do not.

Additional research showed that migraine occurred 14% to 28% more frequently in those with migraine and allergies than in those with migraine alone. Allergies and asthma also cause people with episodic migraine to be more than twice as likely to develop chronic migraine . Another study showed that there is an increased risk of migraine in children with asthma.

Read Also: When Is Allergy Season In Florida

How Are Sinus Headaches Diagnosed

Most of the time when people diagnose themselves with a sinus headache, its really a migraine. So, its important to see your healthcare provider to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and ask about your symptoms. If your symptoms are severe or ongoing, you may also need imaging tests. A magnetic resonance imaging test can rule out serious brain conditions. Multiple imaging tests can reveal sinus blockages and include:

  • Computed tomography scan.
  • Nasal endoscopy .

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

Also Check: Can You Get Allergies In The Fall

Small Amounts Of Caffeine

Your morning coffee might feel like a life-sustaining necessity for functioning as a human throughout the day. But it might also be the key to alleviating your headache.

Caffeine has vasoconstrictive properties, which is a technical way of saying that it can restrict or narrow the blood vessels. This restriction reduces swelling, therefore alleviating some discomfort by changing the blood flow pressure in your sinuses and skull.

Of course, too much of a good thing can turn out not so good. If you consume caffeine in large amounts regularly, you can become dependent. Without caffeine, you may experience symptoms of withdrawal which includes headaches.

Healthy adults can safely consume 400 mg of caffeine a day .

How Do You Get Rid Of An Allergy Headache

Can allergies cause migraines?

Treating allergy headaches often requires a multi-pronged approach:

  • Reduce your allergy symptoms and sinus congestion with an antihistamine, decongestant, or intranasal corticosteroid.
  • Take acetaminophen , migraine medicine, or other pain relievers to minimize or eliminate your headache.
  • Try at-home treatments like using a neti pot, drinking plenty of fluids, and applying a warm wet washcloth to your face.

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What Is The Link Between Allergies And Migraines

Experts are still not sure exactly how allergies cause migraines, but they do know that the nervous system, immune system and endocrine system are likely involved.

For example, if you get migraines, this is an indicator that you have a sensitive nervous system, or that your body tends to overreact to changes in your environment. Then, when youre exposed to allergens, it triggers your immune system to release histamine, resulting in inflammation throughout the body. This can set the stage for a migraine.

Because of this, many people who are prone to migraine headaches have more severe or more frequent migraines during allergy season.

Treating Allergies To Lessen Migraine

Managing your allergies can make a big difference for those who have allergies and migraine. Taking allergy medication can reduce nasal congestion and inflammation caused by allergies. If youre looking for a long term solution, consider asking your doctor about allergy shots, which can reduce or eliminate allergies.

To combat outdoor allergies:

  • Wear a mask while doing yard work
  • Keep the windows in your house and vehicle closed
  • Spend more time indoors on windy days
  • Track the pollen count each morning and make a plan

To combat indoor allergies:

  • Wear a mask while cleaning
  • Wash bedding and deep clean rugs and furniture regularly
  • Use an air purifier

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Can Allergies Trigger A Migraine

Allergies may make you more susceptible to migraine headaches. People with allergies are 10 times more likely than others to develop migraines. One study found that people with allergies experience a higher frequency of migraines than those who do not have allergies.

Its likely that the pressure and pain you experience as a result of allergies is a migraine, not a sinus headache. One study looked at previous research on migraines and sinus headaches and found that the majority of people who appear to have a sinus headache without inflammatory symptoms in fact have a migraine.

There are no definite conclusions about why allergies and migraines are linked. It may be because these conditions cause your body to overreact to internal and external triggers by releasing histamine. This can result in congestion as well as other sinus pain and pressure.

Other Common Causes Of Headaches

6 Ways to Minimize Allergy

Not sure if your headache is from allergies or something else? Your healthcare provider can help you determine which one may be contributing to your headache.

Non-allergy causes of headache include:

In rare cases, headaches may be caused by more serious issues. If youre concerned about your headaches, theyre not responding to your usual treatment, or theyre getting worse, talk to your healthcare provider.

Read Also: Can You Mix Allergy Medicine With Sinus Medicine

What Does An Allergy Headache Feel Like

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.

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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Treatment For Allergy Headaches

If your allergy headaches persist, your allergist may recommend one or more of the following treatments to offer relief.

  • Pain Relievers: Advil and Tylenol can offer short-term relief for sinus pain.
  • Oral & Nasal Decongestants: Available in over the counter medications, these can treat nasal congestion and relieve pressure which causes sinus headaches.
  • Antihistamines: Histamines are natural chemicals in your body responsible for your bodys response to allergens. Antihistamines help block these chemicals to reduce allergy symptoms. Both OTC and prescription antihistamines are available.
  • Intranasal Corticosteroids: These medications are extremely effective at treating allergic rhinitis and help reduce sneezing, itching, nasal congestion, and runny nose.
  • Immunotherapy : If you dont respond well to medications or experience side effects, allergy shots may be recommended by your allergist for a more permanent solution to an allergy problem.

If youre experiencing sinus headaches and pain due to allergies, speak with your allergist for treatment options. Contact the professionals at the Allergy & Asthma Specialists of North Florida to schedule an appointment today.

What Can Cause A Headache In Your House

Headache due to cold and cough | Headache due to allergy | Headache remedies

“Dust and mold are the most common indoor allergens that can cause headaches,” Mays explains. If you are allergic to either, an allergy-free house might be your ticket to a headache-free life. Reduce humidity using a home dehumidifier, for example, to avoid dust and mold. Follow the instructions on any prescribed medications for reducing pressure inside the head.

Also Check: Is It Safe To Take Allergy Medicine Everyday

Allergies Could Trigger Migraine Attack In A Few Different Ways

It makes sense that allergies could trigger an attack in people who are predisposed to migraine, says Hamilton. If you’re having a lot of allergic symptoms, and you’re having a lot of inflammation in the body, that could make you more prone to migraine attacks in general, she says.

Some experts believe that the histamine release that happens during allergic reactions can potentially also play a role in migraine, she says. There are potential mechanisms that could explain an increased propensity for migraine when you’re having seasonal allergies, says Hamilton.

Histamine is a chemical found in some cells that can be released when a person is allergic to something, and it causes many of the symptoms of allergies. Histamine release may be involved in triggering a headache, specifically migraine, according an article published in March 2019 in The Journal of Headache and Pain.

Allergies may indirectly contribute to migraine by disrupting sleep, says Strauss. If youre very uncomfortable from all this congestion and postnasal drip, that could even be a trigger for headache, she says.

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What Sickness Causes Headaches And Nausea

Migraines can induce a wide range of symptoms, including nausea, dizziness, light sensitivity, and intense headache pain. They are frequently preceded by a visual or sensory disturbance known as an aura. Dehydration and low blood sugar are two more diseases linked to headaches and nausea. These problems can also occur independently of each other as side effects of certain medications or environmental factors.

Headaches are common complaints that many people struggle with to one degree or another. Although they can be caused by a variety of factors, most headaches are due to irritation of the brain cells . This can be caused by factors such as stress, illness, or certain substances found in some foods. A nerve called the trigeminal nerve is responsible for sending messages from the face and head up into the brain. If this nerve is irritated, it can cause headaches. Other nerves in the head may be irritated too, which would also lead to headaches.

Headaches can be classified according to what part of the head they originate from. Also, headaches can be divided into two broad categories: chronic and acute. Chronic headaches last for three months or longer and affect 1 in 5 people at some point in their lives. Acute headaches occur suddenly and reach maximum severity within 30 minutes. They are also referred to as recurrent headaches because you will experience one or more attacks per day.

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How Do You Prevent Allergy Headaches

Avoiding triggers whenever possible is the best way to treat or prevent headaches.

If you arenât sure what is causing your allergy headaches, consider keeping a âheadache journalâ over a few days or weeks. This may help you identify potential causes and triggers for your allergies and headaches.

Once you have a better idea about what is causing your allergies and headaches, you can make any necessary changes to your home, schedule, or behavior. Depending on the triggers, you may need to alter the way you clean your home or the products you use, or make changes to your diet. You may have to remove specific plants or odors that can trigger your symptoms.

If you notice that your allergies and headaches are usually triggered outside, there are some options to limit your exposure.

  • Stay indoors when triggers like pollen or mold are at their highest, or when it is windy.
  • Keep windows closed, or avoid using window fans that can pull outdoor allergens into the house.

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