You may have the impression of having won the lottery when you are trading through Allergy season Without the plaque and the constant itching with which everyone seems to fight. But allergists say that it is possible to face the consequences of seasonal allergies without even realizing it. Some people with seasonal allergies have only one symptom – a headache.
The headaches that continue to evade in the spring could actually be due to allergies, even if you have no other symptoms. “It's more common than people don't think so,” said Dr Alan D. WorkmanSinus surgeon in Massachusetts Eye and Ear and assistant professor of rhinology and basic skull surgery at the Harvard Medical School. “Many patients with” headache “have no active sinus infections but rather inflammation linked to allergies.”
While dealing with these allergy ailments with the usual remedies can relieve you, allergists say that this is not the best solution for your pain in the head. Here's how to know if your headache is due to seasonal allergies, as well as what to do next.
Why do some people get seasonal allergic headaches?
The symptoms of classic seasonal allergy include a flowing nose, sneezing, aqueous eyes, a blocked nose, headache, fatigue and cough, according to the National Medicine Library. But it is also possible to have just headache. Allergens like pollen, mold and animal scales can react your immune system with a sinus headache, even if you have no other symptoms of allergy, according to the American college of allergy, asthma and immunology.
“Allergies cause inflammation of sinuses and nasals, which can cause headache if they are serious,” said Doctor Purevi ParikhA allerciste with Allergy and asthma network in New York.
This inflammation can lead to a range of problems, including thickening of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses, nervous irritation or pressure changes in sinus cavities, especially in the forehead and cheeks, said workman. This can lead to a headache.
How to tell seasonal allergy headaches from other headaches.
The best way to say to seasonal allergy stretchies of other headaches is to look for a model, says Dr Catherine Monteleone, A allergist-immunologist at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. If you feel headache in the spring and fall – moments when most people have seasonal allergies – but not for other periods of the year, she said, allergies could be blamed.
“Allergies cause inflammation of sinuses and nasals, which can cause headache if they are serious,” said Dr. Purevi Parikh. Djelcs via getty images
The location of your headache is also important, said workman. Allergic headaches are generally felt in your face, around your cheeks, eyes or forehead, he explained. “They are generally more a feeling of pressure than frank pain,” he said. But migraine or tension headaches usually come with other symptoms, such as Nausea, sensitivity to light or more general pain, said Workman.
Another thing to keep in mind, by worker: allergic headaches can light up or worsen when you are exposed to allergens such as pollen, mold or dust.
How are these headaches treated?
Treating these headaches with usual over -the -counter medication can help you feel better in the moment, said Monteleone. “”Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be useful, “she said.” This usually leads to inflammation and pain. “”
But the problem with this approach is that it does not target the cause of your headache, and the pain can turn around once the medication has dissipated. That's why workman suggests using oral antihistamines such as ketirizine (Zyrtec) or Diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Nasal steroid vaporizers can also be useful, he said.
“For some, a daily nasal spray during peak seasons can make a big difference,” said Workman. Allergenic immunotherapy, which is generally given in the form of allergy strokes, can also help reduce the risk of long-term symptoms, he said.
Monteleone also suggests using hot compresses on your face, drinking a lot of liquids and using a nasal rinsing like a Neti pot to eliminate your sinuses. “If you can, don't go out on days at high pollen,” she said.
When to see a doctor for seasonal allergy headaches.
The cause of any type of headache can be difficult to pin, given the number of different things can trigger head pain. This is why workman recommends monitoring when your headache occurs and if they follow a model.
If you suspect that allergies are behind your headache, he suggests trying over -the -counter antihistamines or a nasal steroid spray to see if you get relief. If that does not help or if you have the impression that it does not help enough, said Monteleone, it's time to see a doctor.
“It is worth seeing a doctor or an allergist or an allergist of the ear, nose and throat that can help determine whether allergies, sinus problems or another type of headache are the main driver and bring you on the right processing plan,” said Workman. If the allergies are behind your headache, Monteleone recommends focus on lifestyle remedies, such as keeping your windows closed and making ordinary nasal irrigation. “All this is useful,” she said. “It's not just about taking medication.”
