North Panhandle News

• It's estimated that 70-80% of the population experiences headaches, with around 50% experiencing them at least once a month.
• Allergies and sinus problems are common triggers for some of these headaches.
• It is advisable to consult a doctor if headaches occur more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief.

Headaches are one of the most common side effects of sinus and allergy problems. Dr. Matthew Blair of Gulf Coast Breathe Free treats sinus headaches the same way as other sinus conditions.  

“Sinus headaches are just headaches. It's kind of like facial pain that comes from sinus disease,” Dr. Blair told the North Panhandle News. “And we treat those the same ways we treat the sinus conditions, whether it's with medications or in-office procedures.”

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed—usually because of an allergic reaction or an infection—they swell, make more mucus, and the channels that drain them can get blocked. According to WebMD, the build-up of pressure in your sinuses causes pain that can feel like a headache.

There are many common allergies that can lead to headaches. These include allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, food allergies, and histamines. If you have a headache along with seasonal and indoor nasal allergies, it’s more likely due to a migraine headache rather than allergies. However, pain related to hay fever or other allergic reactions may cause headaches due to sinus disease.

At times, allergies related to sinus disease can cause headaches. Although it’s a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, you can address certain allergies—and allergy-related symptoms such as headaches—with preventive steps and OTC medications. If your allergies get to a point where they’re interfering with your day-to-day activities, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a full diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.  

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms such as inflammation of the sinus, nasal congestion, pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow, or forehead, worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down, stuffy nose, fatigue, and an achy feeling in your upper teeth.

Dr. Matthew Blair earned his Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology with a minor in chemistry from the University of Miami, according to the Gulf Coast Breathe Free's website. He obtained his medical degree from Nova Southeastern University in 2010 and completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery at McLaren Oakland Hospital in Michigan. Dr. Blair achieved board certification in 2015.