Last updated on November 28th, 2022 at 11:17 am
Are headaches a sign of allergies? Some headaches are indeed a result of sinus pressure caused by allergies. Keep reading to find out more…
There are different types of headaches, and it is not easy to know if a headache is caused by allergies. Sinus headaches can be worsened by allergies causing a headache.
Migraine headaches are caused by various triggers. These triggers can include allergens that can cause a headache. It is definitely possible that allergies can lead to a headache.
Allergy headache location
An allergy headache usually is felt in the space between the sinuses. It can be more of facial pain, rather than pain in the head itself.
The pain can be felt in the cheeks and even in the jaw. Pain can also be felt at the top of the head.
A true sinus headache is rare and most people may be suffering from a migraine headache. Migraine is caused by triggers and allergens can trigger migraine pain.
The migraine pain is located in the sinuses and face. The pain can be throbbing in nature.
It is important to differentiate allergy headache from a tension headache. A tension headache would cause pain in the back and sides of the head. It is like a band putting pressure on the head.
Headache from allergies or COVID?
Headaches can occur due to allergic rhinitis. The headache would be accompanied by symptoms like cold, running nose, sneezing, and teary eyes.
You may also cough a lot. Sometimes, wheezing and breathing problems can be experienced and even body ache.
These symptoms are similar to COVID. You may worry whether your headache is due to an allergy or caused by the Coronavirus.
Allergy headache is accompanied by sneezing and watery eyes. This is usually not present in COVID.
Since the symptoms of allergies and COVID are similar, it is a bit difficult to distinguish the two. You can get a COVID test done to rule out COVID.
Can allergies cause headache and dizziness?
Allergies can cause headache. It also leads to pressure and pain in the sinuses. When you experience this condition, you can have inflammation in the ear.
The ear has a fluid that helps to maintain body balance. Any inflammation or problem in the ear can impact body balance. You can then start to feel dizzy.
Usually, this will resolve once the inflammation reduces. If it continues for a few days, you should see a doctor.
Can allergies cause your head to feel weird?
An allergy attack can cause various symptoms, which commonly include sneezing and runny eyes and nose. Another symptom some people experience is ‘brain fog’.
People can feel tired and hazy. They may find it difficult to focus and may experience confusion. This weird feeling can prevent them from doing their normal routines.
This happens due to increased inflammation. The inflammation causes extreme fatigue, which leads to a weird feeling.
Avoiding allergens and taking an allergy shot can help avoid this problem. Medication like antihistamines can help in reducing inflammation, which automatically resolves the problem.
Allergy headache every day
It is possible that you can experience an allergy headache every day. It can be due to chronic migraine that is triggered by exposure to allergens.
The pain can be within the spaces of the sinuses and in the facial region. Pain on the top of the head with throbbing pain can be experienced.
It can seriously affect your quality of life. You may find it difficult to focus on your work.
You need to treat the cause of the headache, which could be migraine. Avoiding allergens and taking anti-allergic medication can be helpful.
If you are suffering from severe headaches every day, then it could be something serious. It is strongly advised to consult a doctor immediately.
Allergy headache with no other symptoms
When a headache occurs due to allergies, you are likely to experience other symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
If you don’t experience any of these symptoms, then you are probably suffering from migraine.
According to the American migraine foundation, a migraine headache is caused by a trigger. The trigger could include allergens and hence there is a link between migraine and headache.
A migraine sufferer would usually have symptoms like nausea and sensitivity to light. But not everyone experiences these symptoms.
So, it is possible to have an allergy headache without any other symptom. If it is due to migraine, you need to get treated for this condition.
What are the symptoms of high histamine levels?
Whenever the body comes into contact with an allergen or suffers an injury, the body released histamine. This is part of the body’s natural immune response.
Some people can be sensitive to allergens and exposure to allergens can cause a large increase in histamine levels.
High histamine levels can cause headache, migraine attack, runny nose, nasal congestion, watery eyes, itchy eyes, head pain, tiredness, itching and hives, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Hay fever is generally caused due to exposure to allergens like pollens. It makes the body produce histamines, which results in the hay fever symptoms.
The best solution to this problem is to avoid exposure to allergens. This ensures the immune system does not respond aggressively by releasing more histamines.
Whenever any of these symptoms are experience, anti-histamine medication can help treat the condition.
FAQs relating to are headaches a sign of allergies
The common questions and answers presented below will offer you more insight on headache and allergies.
What does an allergy headache feel like?
An allergy-related headache would be accompanied by allergy symptoms. The headache is likely to be in the side of the head, or in the facial region.
Apart from the headache, there can be other classic allergy symptoms like sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes.
An allergy headache can be caused by migraine, which happens due to exposure to a migraine trigger. People who suffer migraine attacks would feel a throbbing pain, which may be on one side of the head.
They may also feel nausea and experience vomiting. Extreme sensitivity to sound and light is also possible.
Can allergies cause a headache?
Allergic reactions can cause headaches. Exposure to an allergen can make the body produce histamines, which can cause inflammation.
The inflammation can produce various symptoms that include a headache. The nasal passages can be inflamed causing pain. A stuffy nose and facial pain are other typical symptoms.
Food allergies can trigger an allergy attack, which can cause a headache. Other allergens include pet dander, dust, and mold.
People with a strong immune system do not face problems when they are exposed to these allergens. However, those who weak immunity can experience a strong allergic reaction leading to the allergy symptoms.
Migraine triggers can also cause a migraine headache. The triggers for a migraine attack can include:
- Certain foods to which a person is allergic or intolerant. (eg.: baked foods, chocolate, dairy products, foods having MSG, and certain fruit juices)
- Cigarette smoke.
- Any strong smell like perfume.
- Exhaustion due to physical efforts.
- Feeling hungry.
- Being under stress.
- Drinking alcohol.
- Sudden changes in the weather.
- Hormonal changes in women (menstruation).
Where do you feel allergy headaches?
Allergy headaches are usually felt in the sinus cavities. This can be due to sinus pain and inflammation. The pain is felt at the side of the head, the cheek area, the nose, and even the mouth and jaw.
The headache can also be felt at the top of the head. Pain in the forehead is common, especially at the bridge of the nose.
When allergies cause migraine, then the headache is usually on one side of the head. The headache is usually of a throbbing nature and can be intense.
How do you get rid of an allergy headache?
An allergy headache needs to be treated to identify the root cause. The headache is being caused by exposure to an allergen. It is essential to identify the allergen.
Allergy specialists can use patch tests and other tests to identify the allergen causing the inflammation. When this is identified, the obvious thing to do is avoid the allergen.
There are various treatment options for allergy headaches. Your doctor would work out a treatment plan with appropriate treatment for your condition.
- If a sinus infection is present, then over the counter medications or prescription medication can be helpful. The medication would treat the sinus and resolve the headache.
- Migraine headaches may require medication prescribed by a doctor.
- Nasal sprays can be helpful in dealing with allergies.
- Allergy medications can help reduce histamine levels.
- Allergy shots can be very helpful in preventing allergies. This would be useful during the allergy season. Immunotherapy is another option to try and prevent the immune system from causing allergic reactions.
- Home care includes steam baths and massaging the affected area.
While the allergic headache can be treated, it is important to try and prevent it in the first place. This can be done by:
- Using allergy-free bedding.
- Keeping a dehumidifier on.
- Avoid exposure to pollen, and other allergens.
- Regular dusting and vacuuming of the house.
- Avoiding fragrances and other things that have a strong smell.
- Avoid exposure to pets.
