Sinus headaches can cause severe discomfort, greatly affecting a person’s quality of life. Without the help of a reliable sinus headache treatment, people dealing with sinus headaches in Atlanta often struggle to sleep, focus and perform at work. However, by identifying the trigger for the headache, it is possible to reduce the effects of sinus pressure and the pain that comes with it. Let’s examine the link between allergies and sinusitis, and what you can do to deal with headaches.
What Causes Sinus Headaches?
Sinus headaches are caused by inflammation and swelling of the sinuses, leading to pressure around the eyes, cheeks and forehead. During a sinus infection, a person may experience nasal congestion and mucus buildup. These increased fluid levels in the sinuses lead to the throbbing pain associated with sinus headaches.
Is There a Connection Between Sinus Headaches and Allergy Symptoms?
When people question whether sinusitis or allergies is the cause of a sinus headache, the answer could actually be “both” – due to the trigger for the sinus infection.
Exposure to allergens like pollen or dust mites triggers an immune system reaction and the release of histamines. Consequently, the nose lining and sinuses begin to swell and produce mucus. Unfortunately, if you regularly experience allergy symptoms, it could potentially result in additional sinusitis symptoms, plus sinus headaches.
Do You Have Allergy-Related Sinus Headaches or a Migraine?
While sinusitis is indeed a common condition that may be caused by allergic reactions or viral infections, facial pain itself does not necessarily indicate a sinus headache. Many presumed examples of sinus headache are actually migraines caused by factors including environmental factors, genetics and chemical imbalances.
Differentiating between the two conditions can be difficult. However, sinus headache pain usually occurs in the front of the face, around the cheeks and forehead, while migraines are most likely to be felt on the sides of the head. In addition, sinus headaches will probably be accompanied by sinusitis symptoms.
Why You Should See an Allergy Specialist for Sinus Headaches
Allergists have a range of measures for tackling sinus headaches and the underlying allergies that cause them. Sinusitis treatment usually begins with a comprehensive examination that may involve allergy testing. By identifying if allergens are the underlying trigger, your allergist can end the cycle of allergic reactions, nasal swelling and sinusitis.
An allergy specialist can provide comprehensive allergy testing services, including skin prick or blood testing, an assessment of your symptoms and an analysis of your medical history. These core elements are evaluated together to deliver a diagnosis. If allergy-related sinus issues are not the cause, your allergist may also be able to provide specialized care for nasal polyps and chronic sinusitis, or recommend an appropriate ENT doctor.
How to Treat Sinus Headaches Caused by Allergies
After determining the allergens triggering the reaction, your allergist may recommend medications like antihistamines, nasal corticosteroids, decongestants and pain relievers. Immunotherapy is a more long-term approach for preventing allergic reactions. Patients become desensitized to specific allergens by receiving regular allergy shots, and are then less likely to trigger the response that leads to sinus issues.
Lifestyle changes can also support these treatments, reducing the impact of allergens on your health as you follow the allergy management plan. Simple adjustments can make a big difference, including using air filters and checking pollen counts during the peak allergy seasons. Take action to clean bedding, rugs and carpets regularly to remove dust mites and pet dander. Nasal irrigation with a saline solution will also flush out allergens and ease sinus inflammation, often reducing the strain of a sinus headache.
Effective Relief From Allergy Symptoms and Sinus Headaches
At Chacko Allergy, Asthma and Sinus Center, we provide testing and treatment for allergies and related conditions. If you are experiencing the symptoms of allergies or sinus headaches, visit one of our centers. Contact us at (678) 668-4688 or request an appointment today.
