North Panhandle News

Most of the world’s population suffers from occasional headaches, but those with frequent bouts should know that allergies can be a common source.

Healthline research estimates that 70 to 80% of people will experience headaches, and about 50% experience them at least once a month. Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers said headaches from allergies are headaches with facial pain resulting from sinus disease.

“We treat those the same ways we treat the sinus conditions, whether it's with medications or in-office procedures,” Blair told North Panhandle News.

Dr. Matthew Blair | Gulf Coast Breathe Free

For those with an anatomical problem, including a deviated septum or other variations narrowing the sinuses or nasal cavities, even small amounts of irritation from allergies can have an impact on the frequency of headaches. 

“You're going to have a lot of symptoms, and it can lead to chronic infections if you have chronic inflammatory disease,” Blair said.

While allergies are a condition where the body reacts to allergens in the environment, Blair said mast cells within the nose will release histamines on the offset of allergy symptoms.

“Histamine is what gives you this overall reaction of itchy eyes, itchy nose, sneezing, clear watery mucus and just stuffiness -- that just general uncomfortable feeling that you may get,” Blair said. “And what that does is it also causes swelling in the tissues in the nose, and they can block openings to the sinuses if you're a chronic allergy sufferer.”

According to Healthline, prospective patients are encouraged to discuss any medication with their doctor. Doctors may address certain allergies and allergy-related symptoms, including headaches from allergies, to take preventive steps and over-the-counter medications. 

Common allergies that can lead to headaches include allergic rhinitis (also known as hay fever), food allergies and histamines. Among these, a true sinus headache is rare with allergic rhinitis, though pain related to hay fever or allergic reactions may cause headaches. Both food allergies and histamines can result in headaches, according to Healthline.

If a patient is experiencing headaches from allergies that interfere with daily activities, they can schedule an appointment with their doctor for a full diagnosis and possible referral to an allergist. Prospective patients can take the Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz  to evaluate their symptoms and help determine their next step for care.