Headaches are incredibly common. Most people experience them at some point, and for some, they are a frequent and debilitating problem. Allergies are often to blame.
Can allergies really cause headaches? And if so, where does an allergy headache hurt? How can you tell the difference between an allergy headache and, say, a migraine?
This article will explore the link between allergies and headaches, including the typical headache location, how to differentiate them from other types of headaches, what might trigger them, and how to find relief.
The connection between allergies and headaches
Allergies can trigger headaches in a number of ways. Here’s how it usually works:
How allergies trigger headaches
When you’re exposed to something you’re allergic to, your body releases histamine. Histamine is a natural chemical that causes inflammation and swelling, especially in your sinuses. This inflammation can lead to sinus congestion and pressure, which is why allergy headaches are often referred to as sinus headaches.
Common allergens and their impact
Environmental allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander can all trigger these responses. Pollen, of course, is seasonal, so if you tend to get headaches in the spring or fall, pollen may be to blame.
It’s also worth noting that food allergies can also cause headaches in some people. If you suspect this is the case for you, consider eliminating certain foods from your diet for a week or two to see if your headaches improve.
Locating the Pain: Allergy Headache Symptoms and Sinus Regions
Allergy headaches often present with a few hallmark symptoms, and the location of the pain can sometimes tell you which sinuses are affected.
Typical Symptoms of Allergy Headaches
Facial pain and pressure are common, usually in the forehead, temples, and around your eyes. You may also feel pain in your cheeks and nose.
Also, you’ll probably have other allergy symptoms, like sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes.
Sinus Regions and Pain Location
The location of your pain may give you a clue about which sinuses are inflamed.
- Frontal sinuses: Inflammation in these sinuses can cause pain in your forehead.
- Maxillary sinuses: Inflammation here can cause pain in your cheeks and upper teeth.
- Ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses: When these sinuses are inflamed, you may experience pain behind your eyes and in the back of your head, though this is less common.
Allergy headache vs. migraine: What’s the difference?
It can be tough to know whether your head pain is caused by allergies or by migraine, since some of the symptoms overlap.
Migraine characteristics
Migraine headaches are often characterized by throbbing or pulsating pain, often on one side of the head. Along with the head pain, people with migraine often experience nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.
How to tell the difference
Allergy headaches tend to be accompanied by other allergy symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes, while migraine headaches may not be.
Allergy headaches are triggered by exposure to allergens, while migraine headaches can be triggered by a variety of factors, including stress, weather changes, certain foods and drinks, and lack of sleep.
Finally, the location of the pain is different. Allergy headaches are usually linked to sinus pressure in the face, while migraine pain can occur anywhere in the head.
Managing and Treating Allergy Headaches
If your headaches are the result of allergies, there are a number of steps you can take to feel better.
Home Remedies for Symptom Relief
- Nasal irrigation: A saline nasal rinse can clear congestion and relieve some of the pain.
- Warm compresses: Apply warm compresses to your face to relieve sinus pressure.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids to thin mucus and help it drain.
- Humidifiers: Add moisture to the air with a humidifier to ease congestion. Be sure to keep your humidifier clean to avoid mold and bacteria growth.
Over-the-Counter Medications
- Antihistamines: Antihistamines such as Benadryl, Zyrtec, Claritin, and Allegra can help by reducing the release of histamine, a chemical that causes allergy symptoms.
- Decongestants: Decongestants like Sudafed can help clear your nasal passages.
- Pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can help to alleviate pain.
Long-Term Strategies and Medical Interventions
- Allergen avoidance: Avoid known allergens whenever possible.
- Immunotherapy: Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can help desensitize your body to allergens over time.
- Prescription medications: Doctors may prescribe stronger medications for severe cases of allergy headaches.
Putting It All Together
If you experience persistent or severe headaches, be sure to talk with your doctor. The doctor can determine what’s causing your headaches and recommend the best course of treatment.
As you’ve learned, allergy headaches are caused by sinus inflammation due to allergens in your environment. Recognizing your symptoms and triggers is important for managing allergy-related headaches. Fortunately, there are many ways to alleviate the pain, ranging from home remedies to medical treatments.
Take charge of your health by proactively managing your allergies and headaches.