Richmond Leader

Many people experiencing head pain may not realize that allergies could be the cause.

Headaches are not uncommon. According to Healthline research, 70 to 80% of people experience headaches and 50% of those experience them at least once a month. Some of these incidents are likely to be associated with allergies.

Dr. John Ditto of Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers says that sinuses can become inflamed and this can lead to head pain.

"The sinuses are lined by the nasal and sinus epithelium, or lining, and that lining is reactive to allergens," Ditto told the Richmond Leader. "Those allergens cause histamine release and other inflammatory mediators that cause swelling, and they obstruct the tiny sinus openings in which our sinuses normally drain."

Hay fever is a common source of allergies, as is pet dander, mold, dust and certain foods, like aged cheese, artificial sweeteners and chocolate. However, experts believe it’s the chemical properties of these foods that trigger the pain, as opposed to a true food allergy. 

By treating the allergy, Ditto said, the inflammation will decrease, and sinus openings will drain more effectively and reduce recurrent and chronic sinusitis. There are some over-the-counter medications that might help, but persistent headaches from allergies may warrant a visit to an allergist.

"In the United States, there are three ways to treat patients," Ditto said. "Yes, allergy shots is one way, or what we call subcutaneous immunotherapy. Second is sublingual therapy, which is drops. It's the allergy drops given just like the shots, except you put it under your tongue. And then there are sublingual tablets that are approved in the United States by the FDA."

To learn more about headaches from allergies and other symptoms, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz from Richmond Breathe Free Sinus & Allergy Centers.