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Is Headache A Symptom Of Allergies

Your Sinus Headache Could Actually Be A Migraine

Can allergies cause migraines?

According to the Mayo Clinic, there’s a good chance your sinus headache may be more than just a case of stuffy sinuses: About 90% of perceived cases of sinus headaches are, in fact, migraines. Penn Medicine classifies a migraine as a neurological condition, and a headache is just one of its symptoms. Like true sinus headaches, migraine-related headaches can result in pain behind the face as well as nasal congestion, making them easy to confuse, according to Orlando Health.

However, there are ways to tell a sinus headache and a migraine apart. According to the Orlando Health, if your headache is accompanied by a clear nasal discharge, it’s a migraine. If you have a true sinus headache caused by a sinus infection, any nasal discharge will be thick and discolored. In addition, according to the Mayo Clinic, if your headache was triggered by noise or light or was accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting, it’s almost certainly a migraine.

Allergies Causing A Cough Headache And Joint Pain

There are many different symptoms that appear when someone experiences an allergic reaction. The main symptoms we are familiar with include congestion of the nose, itchy skin or nose, and watering eyes.

Depending on the types of allergies, one may have a headache, cough, or joint pain. A headache and cough often appear during the spring, summer, and fall due to seasonal allergies. Joint pain is caused by inflammation from the immune system reacting to an allergen.

Allergies can be a tricky thing as they range from mild to severe reactions. The more you read and learn about them, the better youll be able to manage them.

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How Can You Treat Allergy Symptoms

If you are among the 20 percent of Americans who suffer from symptoms of allergic rhinitis, you know how inconvenient and even debilitating an allergy attack can be.

As a result, pharmaceutical companies have increasingly focused their research and development efforts on developing new medications that can be used to treat allergy symptoms.

Many allergy medications were previously available by prescription only, but today, there are many over-the-counter medication options as well.

There are three main classes of drugs that are used to treat symptoms of allergies, including allergy headaches: antihistamines, decongestants, and corticosteroids.

What About Home Remedies

Headache From Food Allergy

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.

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Allergies Might Be The Reason For Your Migraine

Allergy season got you down? Flowers are blooming outside, but youre stuck indoors combatting a runny nose. Seasonal allergies and hay fever are quite common, with approximately one in five people in the U.S. experiencing symptoms of these allergies. 1, 2 Such allergies can sometimes be accompanied by headaches and migraines and often, the symptoms are similar. People who have seasonal allergies are more likely to also experience migraine headaches, and many suffer from both conditions at the same time. 2, 3 Additionally, studies have demonstrated that seasonal allergy sufferers are reported to be 4 to 14 times more likely to experience migraine headaches than those without allergies. 4, 5, 6, 7

Both seasonal allergies and migraines may arise due to similar situations such as weather changes or other seasonal migraine triggers. 3 For example, some individuals may be particularly sensitive to ragweed pollen and other fall migraine triggers, while others may be more affected during the spring and summer months, when even the perfume of flowers or other intense smells may trigger migraine headaches. 3

Migraines and seasonal allergies can affect the same parts of the body such as the forehead, the nose and the areas between, behind and around the eyes. 3

One way to help determine if seasonal allergy symptoms actually suggest a migraine headache, or may trigger your headaches, is to keep a migraine diary and share it with your doctor.

References:

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.

Also Check: What Can You Give A Baby For Allergies

Diagnostic Criteria Of Diseases Associated With Sinus Headache: Neurology And Otolaryngology Guidelines

There are two main systems of classification and diagnostic criteria for sinus headache. The vast majority of sinus headache patients fulfill the International Headache Society diagnostic criteria for migraine , some of them for chronic migraine, the most common form of chronic daily headache. The International Classification of Headache Disorders, third edition , published by the IHS in 2013, defines chronic migraine as headache on 15 or more days per month for more than 3 months. On at least 8 days during the month, the headaches should have migraine features with or without aura and/or should respond to migraine drug treatment in addition, a secondary cause of chronic headache must have been ruled out . Migraine may be diagnosed after the fifth attack of headache lasting 4 to 72 h if the headaches have at least two of the following characteristicsa unilateral location, a pulsating quality, moderate or severe pain intensity, and aggravated by or causing avoidance of routine physical activityplus at least one of the following: nausea and/or vomiting, photophobia, and phonophobia, not better accounted for by another ICHD-3 diagnosis.

Allergies Causing A Headache

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

Headaches are a symptom of many conditions that mimic allergies. These include colds, the flu, and sinus infections. This is due to the fact that they all share symptoms such as a stuffy or runny nose and sneezing. Allergies can trigger migraines.

The exact link between headaches and allergies is not known.

There is research supporting the fact that the nervous system, hormones, and immune system are all connected. The nervous system is more sensitive to those prone to migraines. On top of that, there may be exposed to an allergen triggering an allergic reaction. This can further fuel the inflammation in the body, which can lead to a headache or migraine. In some cases, migraines are triggered by perfume or other strong odors, or weather changes.

If the allergies are the cause of a headache or migraine, a person will often experience sinus pain. This pain is usually felt behind the cheekbones and forehead. Some may also experience a throbbing headache affecting one side, nausea, or vomiting. Symptoms worsen when exposed to bright light or loud noises.

If seasonal allergies trigger these headaches, youll get them during the spring, summer, and fall.

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Is It A Sinus Headache Or A Migraine

It can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between a sinus headache or a migraine. For diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chacko and his team at the Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center at one of our clinic locations in Alpharetta, Atlanta, Canton, Cumming, Duluth and Johns Creek. Call us at .

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.

Read Also: What Allergy Season Is It Now

Can Allergies Cause A Cough Headache And Joint Pain

Sneezing, itchy, runny, stuffy nose. Watery eyes. Hives.

These are the symptoms that we tend to associate with allergies. While these are the most common symptoms, is it possible that allergies could cause more?

Many people may experience a cough, headache, and even joint pain. These additional symptoms may also be related to allergic reactions.

In this article, well explore how a cough, headache, and joint pain are other symptoms of allergies to look out for.

Allergies Could Trigger Migraine Attack In A Few Different Ways

Allergy symptoms

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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Are There Home Remedies To Help With My Headache

The remedies you try for your headache will largely be dependent on the type of headache you are experiencing. For example, a sinus headache may benefit from treatment with a decongestant, such as holding your head over a steaming pot of water, or breathing in peppermint oil.

Whatever type of headache you experience, it is also important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water or clear fluids. This also helps to thin the mucus building up in your sinuses, helping the substance drain away. Being hydrated also promotes good blood flow and circulation, minimising your risk of developing migraine headaches.

However, the most effective home remedies for seasonal allergies headaches are likely to be those which involve reducing your exposure to pollen such as by avoiding areas of newly cut grass, or wearing glasses when outdoors.

Wash your hands before you touch your face to reduce the amount of pollen from your hands to your nose, mouth or eyes.

Allergies Have Chronic Symptoms

COVID-19, like the flu or common cold, is an acute illness, meaning people feel fine until symptoms start showing up.

Allergies, on the other hand, are usually chronic, presenting with symptoms off and on for weeks, months, or even years, Dr. David M. Cutler, family medicine physician at Providence Saint Johns Health Center in Santa Monica, California, told Healthline.

Allergies should not cause a fever or body aches, Arthur said. Generally, no cough unless you have a lot of nasal drainage.

Conversely, itchy eyes and facial pain are more typical of allergies than a COVID-19 infection.

Allergies may also cause wheezing, she said, especially in people with asthma.

Allergy symptoms tend to vary with the environment: worsening with exposure to dust, pollen, or animal dander, whereas cold symptoms tend to persist regardless of time of day, weather, locality, or other environmental factors, Cutler said.

Also, as with COVID-19, colds are more likely to have generalized symptoms like fever, headache, and body aches, whereas allergies usually affect only the respiratory tract, Cutler said.

Allergy symptoms tend to improve with antihistamine and other allergy-specific medication, he said. Colds are more likely to respond to decongestants, acetaminophen, fluids, and rest.

The CDC issued guidance on the differences in symptoms between COVID-19 and seasonal allergies.

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Other Common Causes Of Headaches

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.

Get The Care You Need To Keep Seasonal Allergies Under Control

Relieve Allergy Symptoms & Headache | Qigong Face Massage

Over-the-counter allergy medications work reasonably well, especially for itching and sneezing. If you have those symptoms, start with an oral antihistamine tablet for allergy relief. The nice thing about an antihistamine tablet is it works fairly quickly within an hour or so. But make sure you continue to take the medication consistently and as directed to help maintain that relief throughout the allergy season.

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What Is An Allergy Headache

If youve ever suffered from headaches, youve probably seen that they dont all feel the same. Believe it or not, there are over 150 different types of headaches.

With that said, two types of headaches are typically linked to allergies: migraines and sinus headaches. Migraines usually feel like throbbing pain on one side of the head. These hurt so much that some people experience nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to light when they arise.

On the other hand, sinus headaches are a more dull pain over the sinuses. The pain might feel like a nagging pain in your cheeks, forehead, or on the bridge of your nose.

Sometimes, people wrongfully mistake cluster headaches for allergy headaches though there is no known correlation. Cluster headaches are the most severe type of headache, and they usually feel like an intense throbbing pain behind the eye.

When Is Allergy Season And How Long Do Seasonal Allergies Last

Actually, there isnt just one allergy season. Instead, there are certain times during the year when allergy symptoms may be more severe, depending on what youre allergic to.

As for when allergy seasons start and stop, it depends on where you live. If you have indoor allergies, you could experience allergy symptoms year-round including in the winter. But generally, there are three seasons when outdoor allergens trigger annoying symptoms: Spring, summer and fall.

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How Can I Tell The Difference Between A Migraine Sinus Headache And Allergy Headache

To help doctors and patients differentiate between sinus headaches and migraines, we will often use diagnostic criteria or specific definitions of what each disease is. A migraine is an episodic, recurrent headache, meaning that patients tend to experience relatively brief episodes of headache, lasting 4-72 hours, that recur. For a migraine diagnosis, patients need 2 out of 4 criteria + any 1 associated symptoms . In contrast, a sinus infection or chronic sinusitis is typically associated with nasal congestion, nasal drainage, purulence, or facial pain and pressure. Lastly, allergies can also cause inflammation of the nasal passages and cause a feeling of facial pain and pressure, but these are typically associated with exposure to your allergens and are often seasonal and improve with taking antihistamines or allergy medications.

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