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What To Take For Allergy Headache

An Overview Of Sinus Headaches And What They Feel Like

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

Sinus headaches are caused by an inflammation of your sinuses, the air-filled cavities around your nose, eyes, forehead and cheeks that help to humidify the air you breathe in and secrete mucus. This swelling may decrease the ability of the sinuses to allow mucus to drain, increasing pressure around your nose and eyes and leading to a sinus headache. Common causes of sinus inflammation include allergies or colds.

Sinus headaches can feel like a vise is squeezing the inside of your head behind your nose, eyes, and forehead. They may occur on one side or both sides of the head and the neck is typically not involved. Sinus headache sufferers may also experience nasal congestion, thick nasal discharge, watery eyes, internal ear pressure, swelling in the face, fever, chills, and sweats.1 Pain often worsens when you bend forward, cough, or when you wake up first thing in the morning because mucus may have collected in your sinuses during the night.

Many people confuse a sinus headache with a migraine because pain and pressure in the sinuses, nasal congestion and watery eyes often occur with both conditions.1 Sinus headaches, however, usually arent associated with nausea or vomiting or aggravated by noise or bright light all common symptoms of migraines.

References:

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What Are Allergy Headaches

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, it is controversial whether constant blockage of the nasal passages caused by allergic inflammation can lead to chronic headaches.

Research has shown that migraine headaches are more common among people with hay fever than those without this condition. One study found that 34 percent of people with hay fever had migraines compared to only four percent of those who didnt. And in people allergic to it, inhaled pollen can trigger the problem. In addition to allergies, changes in the barometric pressure in the spring can affect nerves in the sinuses, nose or ears, which in turn can lead to headaches.

What Does Dr Weil Recommend For Allergy Headaches

Among conventional treatments for allergies, Dr. Weil prefers the non-prescription drug cromolyn sodium . If that doesnt help, he says you may have to try a steroid nasal spray such as Vancensae, preferably for a limited time. He also suggests trying nasal douching with a warm saline solution to rinse pollen grains off nasal tissues and soothe irritated mucus membranes.

The best natural treatment for hay fever that Dr. Weil has found is freeze-dried stinging nettle leaf. Take one to two capsules, every two to four hours as needed to control symptoms. This herbal remedy works quickly and has no side effects.

To prevent pollen allergies he recommends quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in a variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains. Take 400 mg twice a day between meals, starting at least 6 weeks before the expected start of pollen season.

He also recommends butterbur , which has been used for centuries as an herbal treatment for headaches, back pain, asthma, and painful urinary spasms. Recent research suggests that it may be an effective treatment for hay fever and a means of preventing some migraines. Dr. Weil recommends choosing only butterbur products free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids , compounds that are toxic to the liver. The adult dosage ranges from 50-100 mg twice daily with meals.

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Conventional Treatment Of Allergy Headaches

A number of over-the-counter and prescription antihistamines can help prevent allergy symptoms. Decongestants can help relieve a stuffy nose that can be one of the causes of a headache. You also can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil to treat headaches. In addition, antihistamines can help treat allergic symptoms, including sneezing and running nose, but also commonly cause drowsiness, grogginess, and dry mouth. Prescription antihistamines are less likely to cause these side effects but still may.

Decongestant pills and nasal sprays can block the effects of histamine on nasal passages and often can help ease nasal congestion, but their effects are only temporary, and overuse can actually worsen congestion over time. These drugs should not be taken by people with high blood pressure. Over-the-counter and prescription eyedrops can help relieve itchy eyes caused by allergens. Prescription nasal steroid sprays can tone down the immune response and combat swelling in the nose, which helps ease congestion. They often can take about 2 weeks to start working effectively.

Preventing Food Related Headaches

Can You Get A Headache From 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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You May Need Specialists To Treat Your Migraine And Allergies

Its important to be aware that migraine and allergies are commonly present in the same person and both issues need to be addressed, says Hamilton.

It might take potentially seeing different doctors both an allergist and a neurologist and trying different medications for both conditions. In some cases, you may not get complete relief until you address both issues, she says.

What Are Some Options For Sinus Headache Treatment

You can try some at-home lifestyle remedies, including drinking more fluids, using a humidifier or vaporizer to moisten the air, and using a saltwater nasal spray. You may also want to try applying a warm, wet towel to your face to help provide some relief.

In addition, the following are some common types of sinus headache treatment:

  • Antihistamines These can help if your sinus headaches are caused by allergies, since they reduce or block histamines and help reduce inflammation and swelling. They are available over-the-counter and also by prescription and come in tablet or nasal spray form.
  • These oral or nasal medications can help reduce the amount of swelling and mucus in your nasal passages. They shouldnt be used in the long-term, however.
  • Nasal steroid sprays These are available by prescription or over the counter and can help reduce pain and congestion.
  • Antibiotics These can be used if your doctor thinks your sinusitis is caused by a bacterial infection. Most infections, however, are viral, and if this is the case, antibiotics wont help.
  • Pain medication Medications such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or naproxen sodium can be used.

If medications dont improve your symptoms, your doctor may recommend surgery depending on the exact cause of your sinusitis and sinus headaches. The goal of surgery is to correct the underlying issue to provide long-term relief.

Surgical options can include the following:

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What Are The Best Sinus Headache Treatments

If youre suffering from headaches, they could have several different causes, including congestion in your sinuses. You may feel pain and pressure in your face due to sinusitis , and the first step toward effective treatment is an accurate diagnosis.

In this blog, board-certified ear, nose, and throat specialist Dr. Cecil Yeung will explain more about these types of headaches as well as sinus headache treatment.

When To See Your Doctor

Acupressure for Headache, Migraine, Allergies & Sinus issues

Although many allergies can be controlled with judicial use of OTC medications, its always wise to consult with your doctor. If allergies are negatively impacting your quality of life or interfering with your daily activities, its in your best interests to explore treatment options with your doctor.

Your doctor might recommend that you see an allergist. This is a physician specializing in diagnosing and treating allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema. An allergist might offer you a number of suggestions for treatment, including:

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What Causes Allergic Rhinitis

You have an allergy when your body overreacts to things that dont cause problems for most people. These things are called allergens. If you have allergies, your body releases chemicals when you are exposed to an allergen. One such chemical is called histamine. Histamine is your bodys defense against the allergen. The release of histamine causes your symptoms.

Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen comes from flowering trees, grass, and weeds. If you are allergic to pollen, you will notice your symptoms are worse on hot, dry days when wind carries the pollen. On rainy days, pollen often is washed to the ground, which means you are less likely to breathe it.

  • Allergies that occur in the spring are often due to tree pollen.
  • Allergies that occur in the summer are often due to grass and weed pollen.
  • Allergies that occur in the fall are often due to ragweed.

Allergens that can cause perennial allergic rhinitis include:

Mucus In Your Throat During Covid

There are some key differences between the two conditions.

One of the biggest differences is the onset of post nasal drip with a sinus infection.

Another key difference is the onset of sinus pain and pressure.

Sinus infections are often accompanied by swelling, inflammation, and blockages in the sinuses, resulting in pain and pressure. This is also the source of most sinus infection headaches.

However, sinus pain and pressure are not typical symptoms of COVID-19.

Below is a list of the symptoms for a sinus infection vs COVID-19.

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What Should I Avoid While Taking Benadryl Allergy Sinus Headache

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, allergy, pain, or sleep medication. Acetaminophen is contained in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can cause you to get too much acetaminophen which can lead to a fatal overdose. Check the label to see if a medicine contains acetaminophen or APAP.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.

How Do I Get Rid Of A Sinus Headache

Migraine headaches are the worst! They

To get rid of a sinus headache, you have to treat the underlying cause. But you can take steps to ease sinus pressure and pain at home:

  • Apply a warm compress to painful areas of the face.
  • Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow mucus to drain.
  • Try a saline nasal spray or drops to thin mucus.
  • Use a vaporizer or inhale steam from a pan of boiled water. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.

Sinus infection

Viruses, bacteria and sometimes fungi cause sinus infections. Viral infections often go away on their own. But if your infection is bacterial or fungal, you need antibiotics or antifungal medications. Your healthcare provider may also recommend other medications to ease discomfort, such as:

  • Antihistamines to prevent allergy symptoms.
  • Pain relievers to ease headache pain.
  • Steroids to reduce inflammation.

Migraines with sinus symptoms

Sinus headaches that are actually migraines need a different type of treatment. The first step is to relieve your pain. You should know that frequently using over-the-counter medications when you have a headache can cause even more headaches .

Your provider may recommend prescription medication for migraine pain. You may also need a preventive medication that helps you have fewer migraine attacks.

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Symptoms Of Food Allergy Headaches

Continued consumption of aspartame, MSG, or any of the above food triggers can lead to chronic headaches including migraines, tension headaches, and cluster headaches. Food allergies can cause other symptoms that accompany their headaches including:

  • Digestive problems such as bloating after meals, excess gas and burping, flatulence
  • Chronic diarrhea
  • A stuffy or runny nose after meals
  • Fatigue, lack of energy, or drowsiness after eating

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:

  • X-rays.
  • Computed tomography scan.
  • Nasal endoscopy .

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What Happens If I Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. An overdose of acetaminophen can be fatal.

The first signs of an acetaminophen overdose include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, sweating, and confusion or weakness. Later symptoms may include pain in your upper stomach, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

How Should I Take This Medicine

Quick Tip: Seasonal Allergy Headaches

Use Advil Allergy Sinus exactly as directed on the label, Cold or cough medicine is only for short-term use until your symptoms clear up.

Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving cough or cold medicine to a child. Do not use the medicine only to make a child sleepy. Death can occur from the misuse of cough or cold medicines in very young children.

Carefully follow the dosing instructions for the age and weight of your child. Ask a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.

Take Advil Allergy Sinus with food or milk if it upsets your stomach.

Shake the oral suspension before you measure a dose. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device .

Do not take Advil Allergy Sinus for longer than 10 days without your doctor’s advice.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time if you have taken Advil Allergy Sinus in the past few days.

Chlorpheniramine can affect the results of allergy skin tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using this medicine.

Store Advil Allergy Sinus at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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Benadryl Severe Allergy/sinus Headache Warnings

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, seizure disorders, asthma, emphysema, diabetes, glaucoma, or an overactive thyroid.
  • If your symptoms do not improve within 7 days or if they get worse, call your doctor. If you have a severe sore throat, fever, or thick yellow or green mucus, call your doctor.
  • This medicine might contain phenylalanine . This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria . Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
  • This medicine can make you drowsy or restless. Avoid taking at bedtime if it makes you restless. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
  • If you are allergic to aspirin, you may also be allergic to ibuprofen. Ask your pharmacist or read the medicine label to see what kind of pain medicine this product contains.
  • If your medicine contains aspirin and has a vinegar smell, do not use it.
  • Some brands of this medicine may contain alcohol. Read the label carefully or ask your pharmacist so you know what is in your product.
  • Children may be more sensitive to this medicine than adults, especially if they take too much. Always read the medicine label closely so you give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you are not sure how much medicine to give your child.

Otc Medications For Allergies And Migraine Come With Potential Risks

If the symptoms of allergies and migraine are fairly mild, they could both be treated with just over-the-counter medications, says Hamilton. I would caution people who are self-treating who think their headaches are from allergies. They may take a lot of allergy medication, and certain ones like Sudafed can potentially cause a worsening headache if you take it frequently, she says.

Pain relivers such as aspirin, acetaminophen, NSAIDS, decongestants, and combination medicines that contain caffeine, aspirin, and acetaminophen or butalbital can all contribute to medication overuse headache , according to the American Migraine Foundation.

MOH is defined as a headache occurring on 15 or more days per month in a person with a preexisting primary headache and developing as a consequence of regular overuse of acute or symptomatic headache medication, according to the International Headache Society.

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What Else Can I Do

Once you figure out what youâre allergic to, try to avoid it as much as you can.

Manage outside triggers:

  • Stay inside on windy days, when more allergens will be in the air. Mid-morning and early evening are also good times to avoid the great outdoors. Thatâs when pollen counts are highest.
  • Keep your house and car windows closed. Use air conditioning to cool and clean the air.
  • Ask another family member or friend to take care of your yard chores. Mowing, raking, and gardening can stir up pollen and mold.
  • Dry your clothes in a dryer. If theyâre outside on a clothesline, theyâll trap allergens.

Control indoor allergens:

  • Keep your home free of dust. Clean with a wet mop instead of a broom.
  • Use special covers on your box springs, mattress, and pillows to keep out dust mites. Wash your bedding each week in hot water, then dry on high heat.

Avoid pet allergens:

  • Wash your hands after you touch any animal. If it lives in your home, keep it off your bed and out of your bedroom.
  • Keep as few carpets and rugs in your home as you can. Wood floors, tile, and linoleum collect far less dander, the flakes of dead skin that cause most pet allergies. Vacuum any carpet you do have often.

No matter what kind of allergies you have, you can also:

Current Neurology and Neuroscience Reports: âAllergic Rhinitis and Chronic Daily Headaches: Is There a Link?â

Annals of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology: âPrevalence of migraine headaches in patients with allergic rhinitis.â

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