Allergic Headaches - Allergic Rhinitis and Migraine Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of allergies. Managing your allergies can help reduce sinus headaches' frequency and severity. There are several ways to manage allergies, including taking medication to relieve the symptoms. Managing your allergies can also help you to avoid them. However, you should be aware of your triggers because many allergens are airborne and can be challenging to avoid. If you suspect you suffer from allergies, talk to your allergist about how you can treat them.
Allergic reactions to allergens
Allergic reactions to allergens can cause a variety of symptoms, including headaches. People with allergies should see a doctor for treatment. Medications that block histamine production may help reduce headaches and their severity. You may also want to avoid certain types of allergens.
Your doctor must look at your symptoms and medical history to properly diagnose allergy headaches. If the symptoms are severe, your doctor may refer you to an allergist who can administer allergy tests to determine what is causing the symptoms. Usually, the allergist will use skin testing, which is quick and painless. They may also use blood tests or a food challenge to identify the specific allergens that cause your headaches. An allergy specialist can then customize a treatment regimen for your condition.
Allergic Rhinitis
Allergic Rhinitis, or allergic sinusitis, can cause a headache. A sinus headache can occur with other disease symptoms, such as congestion and a blocked sinus. While an allergy headache may be temporary, it can also lead to chronic sinus infections. If you think you are suffering from an allergy headache, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can perform a series of tests to determine what's causing your symptoms.
Allergic rhinitis headaches can be uncomfortable and make it difficult to focus on tasks. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help ease your symptoms. In addition to medications, you may need to avoid certain foods during an allergy flare-up. Some foods contain high amounts of histamine, which can worsen your symptoms.
Pollen-induced allergies
Headaches are one of the most common complaints associated with allergies. This is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and if you are allergic to pollen, you may suffer from an ongoing headache caused by it. Pollen can be found almost anywhere and can travel into your nasal passages, where it can cause hay fever and Rhinitis (inflammation of the mucous membrane in the nose). This allergy is also associated with an increased risk of sinus infections, often accompanied by headache symptoms. You should see a doctor immediately if you experience ongoing headaches due to allergy symptoms.
Treatment for allergy headaches can vary, including over-the-counter painkillers like Tylenol or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Antihistamine nasal sprays are also available, including Benadryl and Claritin (loratadine). Antihistamines counteract the histamine produced by your body. Other medications, including decongestants such as pseudoephedrine, may help with the symptoms of allergy headaches by decreasing the swelling of the blood vessels in the sinuses.
Migraine attacks caused by allergies
Many people suffer from migraine headaches but may not realize that allergies trigger the symptoms. During an allergy attack, the sinuses become blocked, causing the migraine. Some patients even experience sinus or nasal congestion due to allergic reactions. However, it is essential to note that these symptoms differ from migraine headaches and should be treated as such.
Migraine sufferers should examine their lifestyle to determine whether allergies are the primary cause of their attacks. They should also discuss the symptoms of each allergen with their doctor to see if they can take allergy medicine during certain months to prevent migraine attacks.
Treatment options
If you suffer from allergies and have frequent headaches, your first step should be to see a physician. An allergist can help you identify triggers and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. The physician may prescribe over-the-counter medication, such as antihistamines and nasal decongestants, or perform additional testing.
Over-the-counter medications can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches caused by allergies. However, these medications must be taken regularly for as long as you are exposed to the allergen. Antihistamines work by blocking histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms. Nasal decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine, reduce nasal congestion.
