Not everyone with seasonal allergic reaction has a runny nozzle and watery centre , fit in to allergists .
It can feel like you’ve won the lottery when you skate throughallergy seasonwithout the constant stuffiness and itchy eyes that everyone else seems to struggle with. But allergists say it’s possible to deal with the consequences of seasonal allergies without even realizing it. Some people with seasonal allergies only have one vague symptom — a headache.
Those headaches that keep flare up up during the spring could actually be due to allergic reaction , even if you have no other symptom . “ It ’s more vulgar than mass think , ” saidDr . Alan D. Workman , a sinus surgeon at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and assistant prof of rhinology and skull base surgery at Harvard Medical School . “ Many patient with ‘ sinus headaches ’ do n’t have dynamic sinus infection but rather allergy - related inflammation . ”
While treating these allergy head ache with the usual curative may give you some relief , allergists say it ’s not the best resolution for your top dog pain . Here ’s how to tell if your headaches are really due to seasonal allergy , plus what to do next .
Why do some people just get headaches from seasonal allergies?
Greco-Roman seasonal allergy symptom admit a runny olfactory organ , sneezing , washy eyes , a stuffy nozzle , headaches , fatigue and coughing , according to theNational Library of Medicine . But it ’s also possible to just have a headache . Allergens like pollen , stamp and pet hackles can cause your resistant organisation to react with a sinus head ache , even if you have no other allergic reaction symptoms , agree to theAmerican College of Allergy , Asthma , & Immunology .
“ Allergies cause sinus and adenoidal inflammation , which can get headaches if severe , ” saidDr . Purvi Parikh , an allergist with Allergy & Asthma connection in New York .
That excitement can precede to a range of issues , including a thickening of the mucose tissue layer describe the sinuses , brass aggravation or imperativeness changes in the sinus cavities , peculiarly in the forehead and cheek , Workman say . That can lead to a headache .
How to tell seasonal allergy headaches from other headaches.
The good way to separate seasonal allergy headaches from other cephalalgia is to look for a radiation pattern , saidDr . Catherine Monteleone , an allergist - immunologist at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School . If you experience worry in the leaping and downslope — times when most people have seasonal allergies — but not during other time of year , she said , allergies could be to pick .
The location of your headache matters , too , Workman said . Allergy headache are unremarkably felt in your aspect , around your cheeks , eye or forehead , he explained . “ They are typically more of a pressure sentience than frank pain , ” he said . But migraine or tension cephalalgia usually come with other symptom , like nausea , swooning sensitiveness or more general hurting , Workman said .
One more matter to keep in mind , per Workman : Allergy headaches may fall on or get worse when you ’re exposed to allergens such as pollen , mold or junk .
How are these headaches treated?
handle these headaches with the usual over - the - counter medication can assist you to feel better in the moment , Monteleone enjoin . “ Nonsteroidal anti - inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be helpful , ” she tell . “ It usually takes the inflammation and pain down . ”
But the job with this approach is it does n’t aim the cause of your concern , and the pain may burst out up again once the medication put on off . That ’s why Workman suggests using unwritten antihistamine like cetirizine ( Zyrtec ) or diphenhydramine ( Benadryl ) . Nasal sex hormone sprays can also be helpful , he said .
“ For some , a daily nasal consonant atomiser during peak seasons can make a big difference , ” Workman say . Allergen immunotherapy , which is unremarkably given in the form of allergy shots , may also help lower the risk of symptom long - term , he suppose .
Monteleone also suggest using warm compresses on your face , imbibe plenty of fluid and using a nasal rinse like a neti pot to clear out your sinuses . “ If you may , do n’t go out on gamy - pollen day , ” she said .
When to see a doctor for seasonal allergy headaches.
The cause of any kind of cephalalgia can be slippery to immobilize down , given how many dissimilar thing can trigger chief botheration . That ’s why Workman recommend get over when your vexation happen and if they follow any pattern .
If you distrust that allergies are behind your vexation , he suggests trying over - the - return antihistamines or a pinched steroid sprayer to see if you get any stand-in . If that does n’t help or you feel like it ’s not helping enough , Monteleone say , it ’s time to see a doctor .
“ It ’s deserving seeing an ear , nose and pharynx doctor or allergist who can help see whether allergies , sinus issues or another type of concern is the main driver , and get you on the right handling plan , ” Workman said . If allergies are behind your headaches , Monteleone recommends concentre on lifestyle curative , like restrain your windows shut and doing regular pinched irrigation . “ All of that is useful , ” she said . “ It ’s not just about taking music . ”This clause in the beginning appeared onHuffPost .
