Spring is a beautiful time of year, but for many people, it also brings allergy symptoms like sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes. While these are well-known allergy reactions, headaches are another common but often overlooked symptom. If you’ve noticed more headaches as the seasons change, your spring allergies could be to blame. Continue reading to learn more about allergy-related headaches and when it might be time to seek medical attention.
For same-day allergy symptom relief, visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill. Our medical providers are available 7 days a week to support your health and wellness. Simply walk-in today or plan your visit in advance by pre-registering below.
How Do Allergies Cause Headaches?
Allergic reactions occur when your immune system overreacts to allergens like pollen, mold spores, and dust mites. In this spring, pollen from trees, grasses, and flowers is at its peak, making it a major trigger for allergy sufferers. When allergens enter your system, your body releases histamines and other chemicals, leading to inflammation, swelling, and congestion.
This immune response can contribute to headaches in several ways:
- Sinus Pressure Headaches: Allergies can cause swelling in the nasal passages and sinuses, leading to congestion and pressure buildup. This pressure can result in dull, aching headaches, often felt around the forehead, eyes, and cheeks.
- Histamine-Induced Headaches: When your body releases histamines, blood vessels can dilate, triggering headaches similar to migraines.
- Dehydration-Related Headaches: Allergy symptoms like nasal congestion and sneezing can cause mouth breathing, which may lead to dehydration and headaches.
Signs Your Headache is Allergy-Related
Not all headaches are caused by allergies, so it’s important to recognize the signs of an allergy-induced headache, which may include:
- Headache pain is accompanied by nasal congestion, sneezing, or itchy eyes
- Pain is focused around the forehead, temples, or behind the eyes
- Symptoms worsen when outdoors, especially on high-pollen days
- You notice an increase in headaches during peak allergy seasons (spring and fall)
- Antihistamines or allergy medications provide relief
If your headaches are severe, persistent, or accompanied by neurological symptoms like dizziness, vision changes, or nausea, it may not be allergy-related and you should seek medical attention.
How To Find Relief From Allergy Headaches
Managing allergy-related headaches requires addressing both the allergy symptoms and the headache itself. To find relief, be sure to check daily pollen counts and stay inside during peak hours. Keep windows closed and use air purifiers to reduce indoor allergens. Saline nasal sprays can help clear allergens from your nasal passages and reduce sinus congestion. Additionally, be sure to stay hydrated, use decongestants and antihistamines, and consult a medical professional when necessary. At an urgent care center, a medical provider can evaluate your symptoms, prescribe medications if needed, and help you find relief from headaches.
Get Walk-In Allergy Headache Relief at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill
Spring allergens can do more than cause sneezing and itchy eyes– they can also trigger headaches due to sinus pressure, inflammation, and histamine reactions. By managing your allergy symptoms and seeking medical care when needed, you can reduce the impact of allergy headaches and enjoy the spring season with fewer disruptions. Are you dealing with headaches? Come visit the walk-in clinic at AFC Urgent Care Denver Park Hill for same-day care. We always accept walk-in patients and the center is conveniently located at 1295 Colorado Blvd in Denver, CO. We accept most health insurance plans and offer low-cost options for self-paying patients. If you have any additional questions about headache treatment, or other services we provide, please contact us directly at (303) 639-1000.
