Can allergies cause headaches?

Allergic reactions are chiefly discomforts your system faces upon being exposed to allergens. These are foreign bodies which are tiny and are often microscopic in nature. Examples of allergens are pet dander, pollen and mites. When you inhale these particles, your system erects defense mechanisms. These mechanisms are broadly called as allergic reactions. Your doctor may prescribe antiallergy medications to suppress the defense actions. Drugs belonging to a class of medications called antihistamines are widely used. But, can allergies cause headaches? It is a vital thing to know more.

Allergic reactions can occur when your immune system responds adversely to a foreign matter or an allergen. Such foreign matter can include pollen, dust, mites or pet dander. Your system is home to chemicals known as antibodies. Once you get exposed to an allergy-causing foreign body or a polluting agent, your immune system triggers a few responses. These can show up as inflammation of your skin, incessant spells of sneezing or itchiness. It is your antibodies that cause swelling of your nasal airways and sinus.

Each allergic reaction is unique. No two people are known to have similar types of reactions. For example, allergic conditions like rhinitis (it is also labelled as hay fever) can cause episodes of sneezing, itchy skin or eyes, runny nose, stuffed nasal passages, inflammation of eyes, etc. The severity of these reactions varies from one person to another.

Can allergies cause headaches?

Yes, some allergies do cause headaches. As high as 2/3^rd of people encountering an allergen is likely to have a spell of headache. For instance, incidence of hay fever or allergic rhinitis is likely to cause headache. Also, food-related allergies may cause headaches. However, allergists tend to believe that chemical constituents of foods may cause allergies than consumption of a few types of foods.

Another thing to remember is your body makes histamines as part of you defense system. Studies  prove that histamines tend to cause a drop in blood pressure levels. This action often triggers a spell of migraine or headache.

A few pointers related to allergies

Most allergies can be treated with the use of over the counter drugs. If such meds do not effectively manage spells of allergies, time is ripe to see a qualified medical professional. Moreover, if allergies are proving to obstacles to your daily activities, it is a safe practice to talk to your doctor without much delay.

You may need to know some form of sinus disorders can lead to a headache. In some individuals, a few food-related allergic reactions can show up. These may occur through signs like skin conditions such as hives, swelling of oral parts such as lips or tongue. In some, a few medications can cause allergic conditions. These can take different forms viz., rashes on skin, inflammation of facial parts or an itchy skin.

In a few remote instances, severe allergies like anaphylaxis can occur. You can detect them by their characteristic signs. Typical symptoms include are drop in pressure (also referred as spells of hypotension), loss of coordination, becoming unconscious, breathing troubles or panting for breath. In such cases, it is a good practice to call 911 if you are in US or reach out to Health Canada if you are living in one of the Canadian provinces.

Lastly, allergies are best diagnosed through assistance of allergists. The caregiving allergist may need to assess your medical track record through some lab tests. Most commonly ordered lab tests include tests done on skin to assess the extent you are hypersensitive to allergens such as foods, latex, dust, mites, pollen, pet dander, etc.

Disclaimer

Information provided here are only of supplementary nature. Information shared here does not substitute a qualified doctor’s advice. This website is not suggesting intake of this drug as safe or appropriate. Hence it is advised to talk to your doctor before consuming this med or any other drug.