What to Do When Allergies Cause Head Pressure
Highlights
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Allergies can lead to uncomfortable and painful conditions like head pressure and migraines.
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Allergies often result in sinus inflammation which can cause infection. This causes headaches and head pressure.
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The best way to treat allergy headaches, chronic migraines, and facial pain is to find out what you are allergic to and limit your exposure to it.
Why Do Allergies Cause Head Pressure?
When the body encounters an allergen like pollen or dust, it triggers the immune system to release histamine — an inflammatory chemical.
When your sinuses — the air-filled cavities in the head — are inflamed due to seasonal allergies, they become congested and blocked, resulting in even more head pressure.
Key Point: What is Allergic Rhinitis?
Hay fever can also be called allergic rhinitis. This is when the immune system overreacts to the environment, including animal dander, mold spores, pollen, and dust mites.
What are Some Common Allergy Symptoms?
Allergies can cause a variety of symptoms, the most common of which are:
- Sneezing
- A stuffy or runny nose
- Itching or watery eyes
- Coughing and shortness of breath
- Headaches
Other symptoms that may accompany allergies include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sinus infections or other sinus problems
- Ear infections
- Chronic daily headaches
What Can Cause Allergies?
- Allergy season: Seasonal allergies often occur at certain times of the year when pollen counts are high, like spring.
- Environmental factors: Dust mites in carpeting, pet dander, and even air pollution can cause allergy symptoms.
- Food: Certain foods can cause allergic reactions, including nuts, eggs, milk, and shellfish.
- Medications: The side-effects of some medications can include allergies
What Does Head Pressure from Allergies Feel Like?
Head pressure from allergies or an allergy headache can show up as:
- Facial pain
- Sinus pain
- Throbbing pain or pulsing pain on the side of the head
- A sinus headache
Treatment for Sinus Pressure and Headaches
If you are experiencing sinus headaches and pressure in the sinus cavity, it’s a good idea to see a doctor who can help identify the source of your allergies and sinus problems.
Other allergy headache treatment options can include:
- Avoiding allergy triggers like dust, pollen, and certain foods
- Using over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as antihistamines, nasal decongestants, and pain relievers
- Applying a warm compress to the affected areas
- Staying hydrated to thin mucus and relieve nasal congestion
- Testing for common allergens to determine what your common triggers are
- Getting antihistamine shots which tend to be more effective than other treatments
Where Can I Learn More About Allergies and Other Types of Headaches?
At LifeMD, we offer telehealth consultations with qualified doctors and nurses so that you can get the relief you need from allergies, head pressure, nasal congestion, and allergic asthma.
Visit the LifeMD website to make your telehealth appointment, today.
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