If you’ve noticed that in addition to a runny nose and itchy eyes, your allergies seem to cause headaches, you aren’t alone. Both sinus headaches and migraines appear to be linked to allergies.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches cause pain in the sinus area of the face, such as the cheeks and forehead. They can be triggered by an infection or allergies to things like pollen, dust mites or mold. In addition to pain, you may experience:
- Fullness and pressure in your sinuses
- Worsening pain when you bend over
- An aching sensation in your upper teeth or jaw
- Nasal congestion
- Fatigue
Migraine Headaches
Migraines are debilitating headaches that often occur on one side of the head but can occur on both, as well. If you suffer from migraines, you may experience:
- Visual disturbances (known as auras) either preceding or during the attack. They may appear as flashing lights, bright lights or shapes.
- A pulsing or throbbing headache
- Extreme sensitivity to light, sound and smells
- Nausea and vomiting
Research has found that there is a high prevalence of migraine headaches in people who suffer from allergic rhinitis (hay fever) compared to those who don’t have seasonal allergies. It’s been suggested that histamine, which gets released into your body when you have an allergic reaction, can trigger migraines in some individuals.
Allergy Treatment Options
If allergies are inducing headaches, treating your allergies is the first step towards helping to relieve some of your symptoms. If you believe you have allergies but are unsure about your triggers, visit an allergist or have your primary care provider refer you. They can go over your symptoms and run allergy testing via skin prick or blood tests to help identify what specific allergens are causing you problems.
Once that is discovered they may prescribe medication or recommend over-the-counter options, as well as discuss ways you can avoid or minimize exposure to your triggers. This may include doing things like purchasing an air purifier or dehumidifier for your home and checking the pollen levels in Atlanta before deciding whether to go walking at Cascade Springs Nature Preserve.
Different Treatments for Sinus Headaches and Migraines
In addition to treating your allergies, it’s important to talk to your doctor about treating your headaches as well. Sinus headaches and migraines require different treatments, and some medications for sinus issues can actually make migraines worse, so it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis.
For more information on treating your allergies or to schedule an appointment, call ENT of Georgia North today.
