It could actually really feel such as you’ve received the lottery if you skate by means of allergy season with out the fixed stuffiness and itchy eyes that everybody else appears to battle with. However allergists say it’s potential to take care of the results of seasonal allergy symptoms with out even realizing it. Some folks with seasonal allergy symptoms solely have one imprecise symptom — a headache.
These complications that maintain flaring up throughout the spring might really be as a result of allergy symptoms, even when you have no different signs. “It’s more common than people think,” mentioned Dr. Alan D. Workman, a sinus surgeon at Massachusetts Eye and Ear and assistant professor of rhinology and cranium base surgical procedure at Harvard Medical College. “Many patients with ‘sinus headaches’ don’t have active sinus infections but rather allergy-related inflammation.”
Whereas treating these allergy complications with the same old cures could offer you some reduction, allergists say it’s not the very best answer to your head ache. Right here’s how you can inform in case your complications are literally as a result of seasonal allergy symptoms, plus what to do subsequent.
Why do some folks simply get complications from seasonal allergy symptoms?
Basic seasonal allergy signs embody a runny nostril, sneezing, watery eyes, a stuffy nostril, complications, fatigue and coughing, based on the Nationwide Library of Drugs. However it’s additionally potential to only have a headache. Allergens like pollen, mould and pet dander could cause your immune system to react with a sinus headache, even when you have no different allergy signs, based on the American School of Allergy, Bronchial asthma, & Immunology.
“Allergies cause sinus and nasal inflammation, which can cause headaches if severe,” mentioned Dr. Purvi Parikh, an allergist with Allergy & Bronchial asthma Community in New York.
That irritation can result in a spread of points, together with a thickening of the mucous membrane lining the sinuses, nerve irritation or stress modifications within the sinus cavities, particularly within the brow and cheeks, Workman mentioned. That may result in a headache.
The right way to inform seasonal allergy complications from different complications.
One of the simplest ways to inform seasonal allergy complications from different complications is to search for a sample, mentioned Dr. Catherine Monteleone, an allergist-immunologist at Rutgers Robert Wooden Johnson Medical College. Should you expertise complications within the spring and fall — instances when most individuals have seasonal allergy symptoms — however not throughout different instances of yr, she mentioned, allergy symptoms may very well be in charge.
The placement of your complications issues, too, Workman mentioned. Allergy complications are often felt in your face, round your cheeks, eyes or brow, he defined. “They are typically more of a pressure sensation than frank pain,” he mentioned. However migraine or pressure complications often include different signs, like nausea, gentle sensitivity or extra normal ache, Workman mentioned.
Yet another factor to remember, per Workman: Allergy complications could come on or worsen if you’re uncovered to allergens equivalent to pollen, mould or mud.
How are these complications handled?
Treating these complications with the same old over-the-counter treatment may help you to really feel higher within the second, Monteleone mentioned. “Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen can be helpful,” she mentioned. “It usually takes the inflammation and pain down.”
However the issue with this strategy is it doesn’t goal the reason for your complications, and the ache could flare up once more as soon as the treatment wears off. That’s why Workman suggests utilizing oral antihistamines like cetirizine (Zyrtec) or diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Nasal steroid sprays may also be useful, he mentioned.
“For some, a daily nasal spray during peak seasons can make a big difference,” Workman mentioned. Allergen immunotherapy, which is often given within the type of allergy pictures, might also assist decrease the chance of signs long-term, he mentioned.
Monteleone additionally suggests utilizing heat compresses in your face, ingesting loads of fluids and utilizing a nasal rinse like a neti pot to filter out your sinuses. “If you can, don’t go out on high-pollen days,” she mentioned.
When to see a physician for seasonal allergy complications.
The reason for any type of complications may be tough to pin down, given what number of various things can set off head ache. That’s why Workman recommends monitoring when your complications occur and in the event that they comply with any sample.
Should you suspect that allergy symptoms are behind your complications, he suggests attempting over-the-counter antihistamines or a nasal steroid spray to see for those who get any reduction. If that doesn’t assist otherwise you really feel prefer it’s not serving to sufficient, Monteleone mentioned, it’s time to see a physician.
“It’s worth seeing an ear, nose and throat physician or allergist who can help determine whether allergies, sinus issues or another type of headache is the main driver, and get you on the right treatment plan,” Workman mentioned. If allergy symptoms are behind your complications, Monteleone recommends specializing in life-style cures, like holding your home windows shut and doing common nasal irrigation. “All of that is useful,” she mentioned. “It’s not just about taking medicine.”
