Maryland State Wire

Recent findings about the correlation between allergies and headaches have prompted both experts and patients to consider various treatments to help lessen the discomfort.

Allergy-induced headaches aren’t uncommon, according to a study released by Healthline. The research estimates that 70 to 80% of people suffer from them, and about 50% have headaches once a month, some of which are a result of allergies.

Some of the allergies that commonly produce headaches include: allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, which comes along with seasonal and indoor nasal allergies, as well as food allergies and histamine, which is produced in response to an allergic reaction. The chemical decreases blood pressure, which is often blamed for headaches. 

Dr. Jamie Oberman | Frederick Breathe Free

According to Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers' Dr. Jamie Oberman, chronic sinus and allergy problems can be treated in two different forms, either by conventional surgery or minimally invasive therapy, such as balloon sinuplasty. The lining section of the nasal structure, which typically becomes inflamed in response to allergens, must also be cleared up. 

“Not everybody who has inflammation has allergies, but you should always exclude that, because if you do, it's easy to treat,” Oberman told the Maryland State Wire. 

Conventional allergy immunotherapy, which includes subcutaneous injections on a weekly or monthly basis, and sublingual immunotherapy, which involves providing drops people can administer at home, is also used as an alternative.

“There's been no case reports in the literature of anaphylaxis with sublingual immunotherapy in our practice, and also nationwide, so it's actually safer,” Oberman continued. “So that's another alternative that we will be offering in addition to conventional immunotherapy and medical management for the allergy component.”

To measure the severity of the reactions to the allergen, doctors often perform skin prick testing to see if any flares develop. Blood testing is also done to determine which allergy type should be targeted.

“This is a specific antibody to an allergen that somebody is allergic to, and it would be elevated on a blood test,” Oberman explained. “And it's specific for a geographic region, for the Frederick area and mid-Atlantic states, in addition to other panels for food and other allergens.”

Allergies related to sinus disease can cause headaches. It's always a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, but you can address some allergies, and the headaches that come with them, with preventive steps and over-the-counter medications. If the allergies get to a point where they’re interfering with your day-to-day activities, make an appointment with your doctor for a definitive diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.

Frederick Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers offers a Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz to help allergy sufferers determine the severity of their condition.