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Is Headache A Symptom Of Pollen Allergies

Can Pollen Cause Hives

Michigan Woman Mistakes COVID Symptoms For Seasonal Allergies, Doctors Say This Is Common, And Expla

Though hives are an unusual reaction when it comes to pollen, it has been known to happen from time to time. Though hives generally arise from food and animal-based allergens, according to Neda Skin Solutions, physical exposure to certain types of pollen can result in the appearance of hives.

This is generally not a problem, as there are many over-the-counter creams to help soothe hives topically. However, things can go quite wrong if the hives develop somewhere like the inside of the mouth or throat, as they can obstruct breathing. If you know that your allergic reaction to pollen is this severe, be sure to have a personal automatic epinephrine injector on hand at all times, after consulting with a doctor, of course.

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.

RELATED: 11 Answers to Your Questions About Light Sensitivity and Eye Pain in Migraine

Keeping A Record Of Your Symptoms

Keep a diary that describes your symptoms and when and where they occur. Your diary could include information about whether your symptoms occur:

  • inside your home, outside or both
  • for a short time or longer
  • at night, during the day or when you wake up
  • at a particular time of the year
  • near animals
  • after you have been stung or bitten by an insect
  • after you have had a particular food or drink
  • after you have taken a particular medication, either prescription or over the counter from a pharmacy or supermarket
  • after you have taken a herbal medicine.

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What Is An Allergy Headache

You can have a headache accompanied by an allergy attack, or an allergy attack that triggers a headache. In either case, we call that an allergy headache. Allergic symptoms that accompany an allergy headache include sneezing, stuffy nose, runny nose, itchy or watery eyes, itchy throat and sinus pressure.

Even If You Have Allergies Frequent Headaches May Indicate Migraine

How To Cure Pollen Allergy: Effective Home Remedies And Symptoms

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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What Types Of Headaches Are There

There are many different types of headache, but the one most commonly associated with seasonal allergies is a sinus headache.

There are four sinus cavities in the head. These are hollow air spaces connected to the nose by narrow passages which allow mucus and other fluids to drain away.

When the body reacts to pollen, the membranes of these cavities become inflamed, leading to an increase in the volume and viscosity of the fluid produced. This mucus cannot drain away easily resulting in an increase in pressure inside the sinus cavities.

This causes sinus headaches and other similar types of facial pain.

In addition to sinus headaches, it seems that seasonal allergies can also give rise to migraines. The reason why this comes about is still being investigated, but it seems that histamines released during an attack of seasonal allergies can also trigger migraine headaches.

How Do I Know If My Headache Is From Allergies

If youre constantly reaching for the tissues anyway, its easy to assume that youre dealing with an actual sinus headache. However, its not always so cut and dried.

45% of migraine patients have at least one allergy-like symptom like a stuffy nose or watery eyesmaking it all the more challenging to differentiate between a true sinus headache and a migraine that accompanies your allergies.

So, what does an allergy headache feel like? The Mayo Clinic says that signs and symptoms of an allergy headache can include:

  • Achy feeling in your upper teeth
  • Fatigue
  • Pain, pressure, and fullness in your cheeks, brow, or forehead
  • Pain that worsens if you bend forward or lie down
  • Stuffy nose

If you think that has a lot of overlap with a migraine, its true. Migraine headaches and allergy headaches often have the same location and even symptoms that mirror each other. However, a migraine will usually have a few other telltale indicators, such as:

  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Sensitivity to noises, lights, and even touch or smell

If youre experiencing any of those, then chances are high that youre actually dealing with a migraine from your allergiesand not a sinus headache at all.

Recommended Reading: Can Allergies Make You Feel Weak

Herbal Medicines And Allergies

Asteraceae is a family of flowering plants, including many common species, and some are used in herbal medicines. Pollen from plants in this family is a common cause of hay fever, asthma and dermatitis.

Plants from the Asteraceae family include:

  • plants grown for their flowers chrysanthemums, dahlias, sunflowers, marigolds, safflower and daisies
  • edible foliage plants lettuce, safflower, chicory and artichoke
  • weeds ragweed, mugwort, sagebrush, wormwood, feverfew
  • plants used in some herbal medicines echinacea, dandelion, chamomile, feverfew, milk thistle and wormwood.

Echinacea can cause severe allergic reaction , asthma attacks, severe hives and swelling in some people, and this can occur when the first dose of echinacea is taken.

Pollen from plants in the Asteraceae family can also cause an allergic skin reaction on contact. The pollen can be found in herbal medicines, shampoos, cosmetics and massage oils, and includes pollen from plants such as the:

  • chamomile
  • sunflower
  • tansy.

Sensitisation to pollen of plants from the Asteraceae family has also been linked with allergic reactions to other substances that are similar. This is known as cross-reactivity and has caused allergic reactions to:

  • plant-derived herbal medicines echinacea, royal jelly, bee pollen extracts and chamomile
  • foods celery, honey, sunflower seeds, carrot, lettuce, watermelon and nuts.

How To Make Botox Last Longer

Is it seasonal allergies, COVID-19 or vaccine symptoms? Here’s how to tell.

If you want to make your Botox last longer and allow the cosmetic or preventative effects to last as long as possible, it is essential to protect your skin from the sun. Harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun are some of the most damaging pollutants that your skin comes into contact with. UV exposure will shorten the lifespan of the neurotoxin. To protect your skin from harmful UV rays, use sunscreen every day even if it is cloudy. Experts recommend using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which should block 97% of the suns UVB rays. Apply at least one ounce of sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours.

Another way to make Botox last longer is to make sure the skin at the injection site is hydrated. Specifically, hyaluronic acid can keep inflammation down in the skin and decrease the speed at which the body breaks down proteins. Antioxidant serums are also a helpful way to elongate the effects of Botox. Topical antioxidants like vitamin C will protect the skin from damage and pollution.

To learn more about the benefits of Botox and other treatments at Novopelle Med Spa, give us a call at 429-7055 or contact us online. Whether your needs are cosmetic or preventative, we look forward to delivering the cutting-edge treatment you deserve.

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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.

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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Symptoms Of Pollen Allergies

Everyones immune system is different and allergies to pollens can cause diverse signs and symptoms. This means that diagnosing an allergy can be difficult. If you think you may have an allergy, keeping a record of your symptoms can help you and your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms.

Are There Home Remedies To Help With My Headache

Headache Caused By Disease And Allergy To Tree Pollen Stock Photo ...

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.

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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.

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.

RELATED: Sleep Tips for People With Migraine

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Is There A Link Between Seasonal Allergies And Migraine

3/31/2022

Research shows a link between allergies and migraine, which could mean more headaches during spring pollen season

By Dr. Hida Nierenburg, Director of Headache Medicine, Nuvance Health

Many people welcome the warmer weather. However, people who are managing migraine and seasonal allergies may find that their headache symptoms increase in the spring.This may not be a coincidence. Research shows a link between migraine, allergies and asthma, which may lead to an increased frequency of migraine attacks during peak allergy season.

Related article: Headache or migraine, how you can tell the difference

An Introduction To Headache And Seasonal Allergies

Differentiating COVID-19 symptoms from seasonal allergies

Suffering from a headache can be a miserable experience, making it difficult for you to think or concentrate. Once the cause of a headache has been found, it is often much easier to treat.

Many people do not realise that seasonal allergies can cause headaches. These seasonal allergies, headaches tend to be the result of sinus pain and inflammation. It can feel as if there is intense pressure inside the head or behind the eyes.

Also Check: Does Vitamin C Help With Seasonal Allergies

How Do I Treat An Allergy Headache

Perhaps it really is an allergy headache that youre dealing with. Now what? How can you get some relief from that tight, full, and throbbing sensation in your head?

The ACAAI recommends a couple of remedies to help you relieve that pressure, including:

  • Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever like acetaminophen or ibuprofen
  • Using a saline nasal spray or neti pot to clear out your sinuses
  • Drinking plenty of fluids to keep mucus thin

Applying a warm, moist washcloth to your forehead or face can also help reduce some of the pain youre saddled with.

But, if youd rather take a more proactive approach, then your best bet is to find the right allergy medications to hopefully prevent your symptoms in the first place. After all, less congestion in your nasal passages means less swellingwhich reduces your chances of having to deal with a miserable headache.

If youre not sure where to start, we can help. Take our quiz and get an allergist-picked treatment Pack thats customized for your needs.

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.

Also Check: How Does Allergy Medicine Work

How Do Allergies Cause A Headache

When you have a runny nose and feeling sneezy or stuffy during allergy season, you likely have allergens irritating your nasal passageways.2,3

Since these symptoms are typically localized in the sinus and facial area, it makes it easy to trigger headaches whenever your allergies flare-up.3,4 Inflamed sinuses restrict airflow and prevent mucus from draining properly, causing your sinuses to become a breeding ground for bacteria to grow. This inflammation caused by allergens can lead to facial pain and headaches5. That being said, most headaches do not an allergic basis.3

Hay Fever Symptoms From Pollen Allergies

Allergy Headache: Can Allergies Cause Headaches?

Hay fever may also be referred to as seasonal allergic rhinitis, if the symptoms appear only when it is pollen season. Hay fever originally only referred to allergies caused by grass pollens, but the term is now also used to describe the symptoms of rhinitis . This can occur throughout the year.

Allergies to pollen commonly cause symptoms of hay fever including:

  • runny, itchy, congested nose
  • irritable, itchy, watery and red eyes
  • itchy ears, throat and palate.

People with hay fever are more likely to develop sinus infections, and can have interrupted sleep that leads to extreme tiredness. Severe hay fever symptoms can affect learning in children and productivity in adults. Hay fever can also make it more difficult to control asthma in those who are more likely to get it.

Also Check: Do Allergies Make You Cough

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