An allergy headache occurs whenallergy symptomstrigger aheadache.
The headache may be directly triggered by sinus pain, resulting in asinus headache.
It could also be indirectly triggered by a nervous system reaction to the allergy, causing amigraine.
Verywell / Danie Drankwalter
Not everyone who hasallergieswill experience headaches.
There is currently no universally accepted definition as to what constitutes an allergy headache.
If your headaches are frequent, persistent, or severe, it’s important to see your healthcare provider.
They can help you determine what’s causing them so you’re free to get the right treatment.
Distinguishing one from the other can be difficult.
These headaches commonly occur as a result ofallergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever.
Seasonal allergic rhinitis is most often due to tree or grass pollens.
These pollens are carried in the air at different times of the year.
Under normal circumstances, the sinuses are open cavities that allow you to breathe air and drain mucus.
With allergic rhinitis, the overreaction of the immune system causes the passages to swell.
This leads tosinusitis(sinus inflammation) and the development of sinus pain and pressure.
Rather, the pain may be sparked by any number of environmental factors that are known to triggermigraines.
Migraines are more than just “really bad headaches.”
Allergies can cause two types of headaches: migraine and sinus headaches.
What Causes an Allergy Headache?
The cause of an allergy headache can vary based on whether allergic rhinitis or a migraine is involved.
Because the causes can overlap, diagnosing the underlying condition can take time.
Allergies are ultimately the result of an inappropriate immune response to an otherwise harmless substance known as anallergen.
When an allergen such as pollen is respiratory, allergic rhinitis can occur.
The underlying causes of migraines are unknown.
However, they are believed to be the result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Migraines can be triggered by many different things, including environmental allergies like hay fever.
Allergy headaches tend to beseasonaland occur when pollen counts are high.
Sinus headaches are treated by reducing the effects of histamine while managing the pain and congestion.
Migraine treatment needs to be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Treatment options for migrainesinclude:
Are There Tests to Diagnose the Cause of Allergy Headaches?
Allergic rhinitis is diagnosed based on a review of your symptoms and medical history.
The allergy tests include:
There are no specific tests used to diagnose migraines.
The process often takes time, in part to exclude all other possible causes.
Your healthcare provider can offer additional information and instructions on how to treat your headaches safely.
Summary
Allergies can sometimes cause headaches.
Sinus headaches typically cause pain behind the eyes accompanied by nasal congestion.
Migraines typically cause throbbing pain on one side of the head, often with nausea or vomiting.
They can help you determine whether an allergist or neurologist is the specialist you need.
Sometimes it takes both.
National Headache Institute.Whats causing your allergy headaches?
American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology.Hay fever.
2019 May 30;20(1):64. doi: 10.1186/s10194-019-1008-x
National Headache Foundation.Seasonal allergies or chronic headache?
Here are the differences.
Weatherall MW.The diagnosis and treatment of chronic migraine.Ther Adv Chronic Dis.2015;6(3):115-23. doi:10.1177/2040622315579627
