What is an Allergy Headache?
Your nose won't stop dripping, you feel all stuffed up, and your head hurts - could all those things be connected? Probably! Allergy headaches typically fall into two different categories: sinus headaches and migraines. Either way, allergies can definitely cause headaches and make you miserable.
Here’s what you need to know about allergy headaches and how to feel better.
Can Allergies Cause Headaches?
Yes, allergies can cause headaches. There are two main types of allergy headaches.
Sinus headaches happen when the sinus cavities are swollen and their openings into the nasal passages are blocked, which stops normal drainage and causes pressure to build up.
The sinus cavities are located behind the eyes, inside each cheekbone, in the forehead, and behind the bridge of the nose, so these areas are where the pain of sinus headaches tends to occur.
Migraines, on the other hand, generally cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head.
Both types of headaches can occur with hay fever (also called allergic rhinitis), which causes a runny, stuffy nose and other allergy symptoms.
While many people are quick to diagnose their allergy headaches as being sinus headaches, some studies have shown that up to 90% of patient-diagnosed sinus headaches are actually migraines, which require different treatment.
Allergy Headache Symptoms
Symptoms of allergy headaches will vary depending on whether it is a sinus headache or a migraine.
Sinus headaches often cause pain in the cheeks, jaw, forehead, or top of the head. The headache may get worse when lying down because even more pressure can build up in the sinus cavities.
Migraine headaches typically cause throbbing pain on one side of the head and may cause light or sound sensitivity, nausea, or other symptoms.
Allergy Headache Causes
Sinus headaches are caused by pressure in the sinus cavities when they cannot drain properly.
Allergy migraines may be triggered by nasal congestion directly activating the trigeminal nerve in the nose. Nasal congestion due to allergies could also cause snoring and sleep apnea, which can cause headaches.
Allergy Headache Treatment
When it comes to allergy headache relief, tackling the underlying allergy is among the best allergy headache treatment. Beyond that, sinus headaches and migraines may need different treatments for the best results.
Avoiding Allergens
Prevention is often the best medicine: avoiding the allergens that trigger your allergies can help prevent allergy headaches before they even start. Here are some tips for avoiding different types of allergens that could be triggering your allergy headaches.
Outdoor exposure:
Stay indoors as much as possible when pollen counts are high (usually during the midmorning and early evening) or the wind is blowing pollen around.
Wear glasses or sunglasses outside to limit how much pollen gets in your eyes.
Avoid using window fans because they can draw allergens into your home.
Indoor exposure:
Limit exposure to dust mites by using mite-proof covers for your bedding.
Keep your windows closed and use air conditioning instead.
Limit the amount of mold in your home by keeping the humidity levels low.
Exposure to pets:
Keep pets outside as much as possible. When you can’t, at least keep them out of your bedroom to limit exposure to their dander while you sleep.
Wash your hands right away after petting animals and wash your clothes after visiting homes that have pets.
Replace the carpets in your home with hard floors, which are easier to keep dander-free, and use an air purifier in your bedroom.
Treating the Headaches
When you cannot avoid your allergens, you can treat your hay fever with one or more of the following types of medications:
Antihistamines block histamine, a chemical produced by the body in response to allergens that causes hay fever and other allergic reactions.
Oral and nasal decongestants help relieve the stuffiness and pressure caused by swollen nasal tissue.
Intranasal corticosteroids are the most effective drug class for treating hay fever. They can significantly reduce nasal congestion, itching, sneezing, and runny nose.
There are also some at-home remedies that may help treat allergy headaches, including:
Drink lots of fluids to help thin out the mucus in your nasal passages.
Apply a wet, warm washcloth to your face a few times a day.
Use a neti pot to flush mucus from your nasal cavities.
Inhale steam two to four times a day.
Spray the nose with nasal saline several times a day.
Allergy Headache Frequently Asked Questions
What Is an Allergy Headache?
An allergy headache is a sinus headache or migraine triggered by hay fever, a type of allergic reaction.
What Does an Allergy Headache Feel Like?
Sinus headaches triggered by allergies typically feel like pain or pressure in your face, forehead, or the top of your head.
Migraines triggered by allergies usually feel like intense throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of your head.
How Do You Get Rid of an Allergy Headache?
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 (Tylenol), 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.
Get Allergy Headache Treatment Online
Whether you are experiencing sinus headaches or migraines, you can get allergy headache treatment online.
Through a video or phone appointment, the trusted doctors at PlushCare can diagnose which type of allergy headache you’re experiencing and recommend or prescribe medications to help relieve your symptoms. When appropriate, the doctor can electronically send a prescription to your local pharmacy.
Ready to tackle your allergy headaches? Book an appointment at PlushCare now!
Read More About Allergy Headaches
Sources
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology. Headaches Connected to Allergies and Sinus Problems. Accessed on April 8, 2021 at https://www.aaaai.org/conditions-and-treatments/library/allergy-library/allergy-sinus-headaches
American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. Allergy Headaches. Accessed on April 8, 2021 at https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/allergy-headaches
American Migraine Foundation. Migraine, Hay Fever, Asthma and Allergies. Accessed on April 8, 2021 at https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-hay-fever-asthma-allergies/
Mayo Clinic. Migraine. Accessed on April 17, 2021 at
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/symptoms-causes/syc-20360201
National Institutes of Health. Current neurology and neuroscience reports. Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Daily Headaches: Is There a Link? Accessed on April 8, 2021 at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4762930/
