It’s so frustrating to get constant, severe headaches and not know why. Your family doctor may want to help but likely doesn’t have the extensive experience and training that you’ll find at a center dedicated to diagnosing and treating migraines and other headaches. The Advanced Headache Center — with eight offices in NYC and Bergen County, NJ — offers you that specialized care. Headaches due to allergies are often difficult to diagnose, but Dr. Amr Hosny and his trained staff are waiting to help. Call now for an appointment and begin a life free of allergy headaches.
Can Allergies Cause Headaches?
Allergies happen when your immune system reacts to a foreign substance as if it’s harmful, even though it may not be, at least not to most people. When you think of symptoms triggered by allergies, you probably think of sneezing, congestion, a runny nose, sinus pressure, and skin rashes. Some people find that coming into contact with allergens leads to a headache.
Types of headaches that allergens may trigger include:
The intensity of allergy headaches can range from mild to severe. If you’re experiencing recurring headaches and aren’t sure of the source, visit an expert who deals primarily with chronic migraines to be evaluated. Dr. Amr Hosny and his team of headache specialists offer the very best personalized treatment for headaches. At the Advanced Headache Center in NYC and Paramus, NJ, Dr. Hosny is skilled in accurately diagnosing and treating your headache pain.
What Does an Allergy Headache Feel Like?
It’s not always easy to distinguish headaches triggered by allergies from those that have other causes. The swelling and blocking of your sinuses can obstruct drainage and cause a buildup of pressure, which is often the source of your discomfort.
Other symptoms of an allergy headache include:
- Facial pain
- Pain on the top of your head
- Pain in your teeth
- Pain in sinus areas, such as the forehead, cheekbones, or between and behind your eyes
- A throbbing headache accompanied by nausea.
- Throbbing on one side of your head, often exacerbated by exposure to the sun
When allergies are the cause of your headache, you may experience nasal congestion and drainage. You may also have irritated or watery eyes and an itchy throat. Report these symptoms to your doctor for a faster diagnosis.
What Allergens Trigger Allergy Headaches?
Many different external elements can trigger an allergic reaction in the form of a headache. Inflammation of your nasal passages from environmental allergies may end up causing a headache.
Examples of triggers that commonly lead to allergy headaches include:
- Seasonal changes
- Pollen
- Perfume
- Mold and mildew
- Dust mites
- Pet dander
- Smoke
- Stress
Food allergies can also cause allergy headaches. Foods, drinks, and additives that may trigger headaches include:
- Aged cheese
- Chocolate
- Artificial sweeteners
- Alcohol
- Caffeine
- Dairy
- Wheat or gluten
- Eggs
- Citrus
- Corn
Dr. hosny is certified headache specialist, and extremely kind and down to earth. He kept me calm and positive, never told me to be scared or upset, no matter how bad the pain was. He loves God and helping people. I’m so grateful for his help. He is knowledgeable and committed. He showed such concern that he becomes more than just a headache doctor for me. He has become my friend. Love this man with all my heart!!!
Can I Prevent an Allergy Headache?
At the Advanced Headache Center, Dr. Hosny offers solutions to help you prevent the triggers that lead to your allergic reactions. If you have an idea of what triggers your symptoms, you can avoid the situations or substances that trigger the headache pain. For example:
- If you’re sensitive to pollen, avoid spending a lot of time outdoors, particularly on windy days in the spring. You may even need to stay indoors and keep your windows closed when the pollen count is high.
- If you know, certain foods cause allergic reactions such as itching, avoiding them can prevent allergy headaches. Learn how to ask about ingredients when eating out and carefully read food labels on products when you buy them.
- Change your air filters regularly and wash your hands frequently after household chores or handling pets.
- Avoid products with strong fragrances and ask your friends not to wear them.
If you aren’t sure what’s triggering your reaction, your doctor from the best headache center may ask you to keep a headache journal, which can help identify possible causes. A journal pinpoints if your headaches tend to happen indoors or outdoors or if they seem to be connected to something you ate.
What’s the Best Allergy Headache Treatment?
Several options for treatment are available at the Advanced Headache Center. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment, even for allergy headaches. That’s why you’re in good hands when you rely on the New York City and northern New Jersey specialists who only treat headaches. They may start you on a variety of over-the-counter medicines to relieve a mild allergy headache. Common home remedies for allergy headaches include:
- Antihistamines
- Nasal decongestants
- Saline nasal sprays
Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as naproxen or ibuprofen often relieve headache pain. You may also benefit from drinking plenty of fluids to reduce stuffiness. Applying a warm, moist compress to your face sometimes relieves your symptoms, too.
Dr. Hosny also offers an array of treatments when home remedies don’t work, including:
When Should I Consult a Doctor about Allergy Headaches?
When headaches strike repeatedly, it affects your quality of life. If your allergy headaches are making you miserable and home remedies aren’t giving you relief, it’s time to consult a New York City doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of chronic headaches.
Dr. Hosny and his team at the Advanced Headache Center use a multimodal approach that’s uniquely designed for the needs of each patient. Contact the center today to make an appointment. Don’t let your allergies limit your lifestyle.
Dr. Hosny is an Ivy League Trained, UCNS-accredited, board-certified headache specialist who offers the latest preventive and abortive treatments to provide safe and effective head pain relief. As an active member of prominent organizations and professional societies that advance headache science, education, and management, such as the National Headache Foundation, Dr. Hosney specializes in diagnosing and treating a wide range of head pain disorders, including tension headaches, migraines, and cluster headaches, to name a few.
Dr. Hosny's reputation for enhancing headache care quality through the use of the most effective and technologically advanced treatment options for persistent primary and secondary chronic headaches has been acknowledged by Castle Connolly and Healthgrades, where he has received over 200 positive reviews. Dr. Hosny is also recognized as a distinguished New York City physician and headache specialist by New York Magazine.
More about Dr. HosnyNew York, NY 10003
(646) 763-2222
