What Does An Allergy Headache Feel Like
When you experience a headache caused by allergies, you may feel them in any of these spaces within your sinuses. It may even feel like your face, rather than your head, is what really hurts. You may have pain in the cheeks that radiates to your jaw and teeth. You may feel pain on the top of your head.
Allergies may also trigger a migraine headache. This type of headache may include throbbing, and is usually felt on one side of the head. You may find that the pain gets worse in sunlight or that you also feel nauseated.
The skull has a series of connected, hollow spaces known as sinuses, which are lined with soft tissue and a layer of mucus. These sinuses help humidify and filter the air you breathe, and help drain the nose. Allergy symptoms often appear in the sinuses, like when your nose is running or stuffed up.
Some of the spaces that make up the sinuses are found in the:
- Cheekbones
- Between or behind the eyes
- Behind the nose
You may experience headaches and pain if your sinuses are swollen or their openings are obstructed. This often happens with allergies. Swelling and blockage in the sinuses can prevent normal drainage and airflow, causing a buildup of pressure. Other allergy triggers, such as smoke or certain foods, can lead to headaches.
The degree of pain from an allergy headache can vary widely, from dull to almost debilitating. The level of pain may also change with your position, such as whether you are standing or lying down.
Allergies Usually Do Not Cause Wet Coughs
While coughing is often a symptom of both allergies and colds, the type of cough for each is different. A cold cough is wet and hacking, and typically produces mucus or phlegm that gets progressively thicker, often taking on a green or yellow tinge.
Allergies can cause a cough that feels like you have a tickle in your throat. Thats because allergens often irritate the lining of your nose, which triggers your nasal passages to create a watery mucus. This can drip out of your nose and down the back of your throat, creating that tickling sensation. This is referred to as post-nasal drip.
Allergies Can Cause Or Worsen Sleep Apnea
When dealing with allergy symptoms such as congestion, coughing, sneezing, or a runny nose, you may naturally breathe through your mouth instead of your nose. While this can help increase airflow to your lungs, it can also create or exacerbate another condition called sleep apnea. Sleep apnea causes your airways to be blocked while you sleep, which can interrupt sleep throughout per night. This results in less deep sleep and can lead to waking up with feelings of fatigue.
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Allergy Headache: How Allergies Can Cause Headaches
More than 50 million people in the United States suffer from allergies, with many people experiencing seasonal or perennial allergies.
When exposed to a particular allergen , people with allergies can experience symptoms that range from mildly irritating to debilitating.
Allergy symptoms overlap with many other medical conditions, including upper respiratory infections such as the common cold and sinusitis, so it can be hard to know exactly which symptoms correspond to which conditions.
Uncommon Causes Of Fatigue And Headaches
Fatigue and headaches are bothersome symptoms that affect millions of Americans every day. Fatigue is a symptom, not a disease, and it affects everyone differently. Fatigue and headaches can range from mild to severe, and can interfere with everyday life and relationships. Stress, dehydration, and lack of sleep and exercise are all common causes of these symptoms. There are several uncommon causes of fatigue and headaches, primarily underlying health conditions. It is important to be aware of these uncommon causes of fatigue and headaches.
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Home Care & Natural Remedies
If youve been unable to avoid allergic headache triggers, there are accessible remedies out there to treat those symptoms.How do you get rid of an allergy headache? To get rid of an allergy headache, try over-the-counter antihistamines, decongestants, or nasal sprays. These remedies work to relieve sinus congestion and pressure.Lots of water, steam baths, and warm washcloths applied to areas where youre feeling the most pressure can also help relieve your symptoms if youre seeking more natural remedies.
Underactive Thyroid And Fatigue
Symptoms: Extreme fatigue, sluggishness, feeling run-down, depression, cold intolerance, weight gain
The problem may be a slow or underactive thyroid. This is known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your neck. It helps set the rate of metabolism, which is the rate at which the body uses energy.
According to the American Thyroid Foundation, about 17% of all women will have a thyroid disorder by age 60. And most wont know it. The most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimotos thyroiditis. Hashimotos stops the gland from making enough thyroid hormones for the body to work the way it should. The result is hypothyroidism, or a slow metabolism.
Blood tests known as T3 and T4 will detect thyroid hormones. If these hormones are low, synthetic hormones can bring you up to speed, and you should begin to feel better fairly rapidly.
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How To Prevent Allergy Fatigue
The best way to prevent allergy fatigue is to find an effective treatment option for your allergies. The first step in managing allergies and preventing symptoms like fatigue is to find out which specific allergens trigger your reactions. After this diagnosis, there are ways to minimize allergies and avoid fatigue. You can minimize allergy fatigue in several ways:
Preventing Food Related Headaches
Preventing food allergy headaches can be as simple as avoiding specific trigger foods once you figure out what your triggers are. But some triggers are difficult to avoid because they are found in most processed foods, this can also make those triggers difficult to find.
If youre having difficulty finding your trigger foods, it may be time to talk to a headache specialist at a headache treatment clinic to learn more about how to prevent headaches caused from allergies. Contact the National Headache Institute for more information on our cutting-edge treatments including stem cell treatment. Call today to schedule an appointment at one of our convenient locations.
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How Do Allergies Cause Fatigue
Yes, allergies can make you feel tired. Most people with a stuffy nose and head caused by allergies will have some trouble sleeping. But allergic reactions can also release chemicals that cause you to feel tired. These chemicals help fight your allergies but also cause swelling of your nasal tissues that can make your symptoms worse. A lack of sleep and constant nasal congestion can give you a hazy, tired feeling.
Experts call this fatigue caused by allergies a brain fog. Brain fog can make it difficult to concentrate and carry out school, work, and daily activities.
If youre experiencing the effects of brain fog, there are some things you can do to feel less tired. First, youll need to stop the cycle of allergy symptoms and fatigue. You can try:
Autonomic Testing Guides Treatment For Improved Autonomic Function
The autonomic nervous system can be tested and evaluated through a process known as spectral analysis. This simple, quick and painless test can provide the critical understanding that helps your physician for their treatment plan.
The ANS can become imbalanced in many different ways. Some ANS dysfunction requires a short course of medication alone or in concert with nutritional strategies to reduce systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in order for the brain to regain maximal function. The safest way to reverse heartburn is with a map of your autonomic nervous systems to guide treatment.
Dr. Nemechek often performs autonomic testing prior to initiating treatment for orthostatic hypotension and other autonomic symptoms . To learn more about this technique contact Dr Patrick Nemechek.
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Medical Care For Houston And Beyond
If you need to see a doctor, then call Emergency Hospital Systems. Our experts will help you get to the bottom of your medical problem. Whether you need a diagnosis or treatment advice, we will offer professional, caring services. Click on the locations tab as shown above to find the hospital closest to you.
When To See Your Doctor
Although many allergies can be controlled with judicial use of OTC medications, its always wise to consult with your doctor. If allergies are negatively impacting your quality of life or interfering with your daily activities, its in your best interests to explore treatment options with your doctor.
Your doctor might recommend that you see an allergist. This is a physician specializing in diagnosing and treating allergic conditions, such as asthma and eczema. An allergist might offer you a number of suggestions for treatment, including:
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What May Cause Headache And Fatigue
Fatigue and headache are shared symptoms of many conditions. Not all of these conditions are considered serious. However, some may require lifestyle changes or ongoing treatment.
As you consider the reasons why you may be experiencing headache and fatigue, make sure to think about your lifestyle, including your sleeping patterns, diet, and any medications youre currently taking.
Here are 16 conditions and other factors that could cause both headache and fatigue:
Other Common Causes Of Dizziness
There are many conditions that cause dizziness. Ear infections are a common, usually harmless cause. However, other conditions can be a major problem. These are things like heart disease, anemia, and low blood pressure. Low blood sugar can also cause dizziness. Lastly, mental health symptoms can cause dizziness. Anxiety and panic attacks are both common culprits.
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Talk To Your Allergist Right Away If You Are Suffering From Body Aches And / Or Cfs
You do not have to live with chronic pain and you do not have to live with fatigue. At Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology Medical Group we have helped many patients with allergies, joint pain, and much more. We highly suggest you call us right away at 805-658-9500 for an appointment. We can do through testing to get the most accurate diagnosis which will lead us to the right treatment plan.
Can Allergies Trigger A Migraine
It makes sense that stopped-up sinuses are bound to cause some pain. But, its important to note that true sinus headaches are actually pretty rare. Instead, if youre experiencing allergies with a headache, you might actually be dealing with a migraine.
Thats rightthe American Migraine Foundation states that your allergies can actually make you more likely to experience a migraine. Consider these stats:
- One study found that migraine headaches occurred in 34% of people with hay fever, but only 4% of people without hay fever.
- A separate study found that if you deal with both migraines and allergies, then youll have an increased frequency of migraines. Headaches were 14-28% more frequent in those with migraine and hay fever than those with only a migraine.
Its unclear whether an allergy flare-up is what ultimately causes the migraine, but theres little doubt that your sniffling and sneezing can often be accompanied by a migraine headache.
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Papers Of Particular Interest Published Recently Have Been Highlighted As: Of Importance
This review article reveals opportunities to improve the diagnosis and management of allergic rhinitis through a new multidisciplinary, evidence-based clinical practice guideline. The consensus was created by a multidisciplinary panel of experts in otolaryngology, allergy and immunology, internal medicine, family medicine, pediatrics, sleep medicine, advanced pediatric nursing, and complementary, and integrative medicine however, the neurologic point of view is absentThe AMPP Study is a longitudinal, population-based study of individuals from the USA with severe headache. The study started in 2004, when headache questionnaires were mailed to 120,000 households . During phase 2, 24,000 people with severe headaches were selected to complete surveys once a year from 2005 to 2009. From this study, we have learned about the prevalence of migraine and chronic migraine, the comorbidities of migraine, the level of disability, the burden and costs, and the treatments used by patients
Are There Ways To Reduce Your Allergy Exposure
Here are several ways to minimize your exposure to seasonal allergies:
- Pay attention to daily pollen and mold spore levels, so you can avoid outdoor activities as much as possible when counts are high. To check out the American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunologys allergen tracker, .
- Begin taking medications before the start of the allergy seasonwhen pollen, grass, ragweed, or mold counts soar.
- Shut the windows and doors in your home, office, and car to seal out pollen.
- Wear a hat when outdoors or wash your hair before bed to keep pollen off your pillow and away from your face.
- Change your clothes after spending time outdoors to minimize your exposure to pollen. Studies show that half of the pollen that accumulates on clothing remains even if you try to shake or brush it off before you go indoors.
- Avoid mowing the grass or raking moldy leaves if those are your triggers, or wear a mask when doing so.
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Take Medication At Night
There are several over-the-counter medications that can help manage your allergy symptoms, including fatigue.
Antihistamines, the most common OTC allergy medication, work by blocking the effects of histamines, which stops the inflammation in your body and your allergy symptoms.
Common antihistamines include:
- Clemastine
- Chlorpheniramine
While diphenhydramine is the medication most commonly linked with sleepiness, its possible for other allergy medications to cause fatigue, too.
If you think your antihistamine is making you tired, try taking your medication at night.
The drug should still control your symptoms during the day, but talk to your doctor if you still feel tired during waking hours. You may need a different medication.
Treating Fatigue Caused By Allergies
1. Limit your exposure to allergens
The best way to fully reduce your allergy symptoms is to decrease your exposure to your known allergy triggers. Once you know which allergens are the cause of your symptoms, you can reduce your exposure to them. For example, if youâre allergic to pollen, you can try to stay indoors on days when pollen counts are high., or if you are very allergic to cats you can try to limit your exposure to them.
You can also check online to find your local pollen report. If you have air-conditioning, you should try to keep your windows closed. The same goes for when you are traveling in a car, keep the air conditioning on. If you do spend a lot of time outside, it is a good idea to change your clothing as soon as you come inside.
There are many examples online on how to reduce your allergen exposure once you have identified your specific trigger.
2. Medication
There are many kinds of allergy medications. Some are targeted at specific allergies while others are more generalized and treat many kinds of allergies. The most common medications are antihistamines, which are generally now found OTC or you can experiment with natural antihistamines.
Your best bet if you want to avoid feeling tired and also reduce other annoying allergy symptoms is to take an antihistamine. â
As mentioned earlier, be aware that many antihistamines themselves can cause fatigue and drowsiness.
3. Allergy Immunotherapy
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Itchiness Around The Nose Throat And Mouth
An itchy nose, throat and mouth are one of the more severe allergic reactions associated with hay fever. It can make all of the other symptoms feel ten times worse and can be hugely discomforting. The itchiness is a result of pollen getting inhaled through to your mouth, throat, and nose.
To relieve these symptoms, you should first always drink lots of fluids. This will help keep your throat moist and clear, reducing the itchiness. You can also try drinking honey mixed with warm water to relieve throat irritation. To relieve itchiness in the nose, blow it regularly to clear out your nasal passages.
Find Out What Youre Allergic To
In order to treat your allergies, you have to know what youre up against.
An allergy test can help identify substances that trigger allergic reactions in your body. These substances, known as allergens, can be things you breathe in, things you touch, or things you eat.
A skin prick allergy test involves exposing the skin on your arm or back to small amounts of allergens to then see what you react to. These tests are typically done in a single sitting, and youll get results right away.
A blood allergy test can also check for allergens and is useful if you take a medication that can interfere with results or if your doctor suspects you may have a severe allergic reaction to even a tiny amount of an allergen.
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Take Your Allergy Medication In The Evening
Antihistamines are a common and effective way to manage seasonal allergies, and modern allergy medicines are less likely to cause drowsiness than older antihistamines. However, some people may still feel tired after taking an allergy pill, especially if they havent taken one in a while.
To help reduce drowsiness and feel more alert during the day, take your daily antihistamine in the evening rather than first thing in the morning.
Consistency is also key to reducing the drowsiness caused by antihistaminesthe longer you take a daily allergy medication, the more easily your body will be able to tolerate those side effects.
Not all antihistamines are intended for daily use, so talk with your doctor before starting or changing any allergy medications to make sure its a good fit for you.
