Headache and seasonal allergies

Suffering from a headache can be a miserable experience, making it difficult for you to think or concentrate. Once the cause of a headache has been found, it is often much easier to treat.

Many people do not realise that seasonal allergies can cause headaches. These ‘seasonal allergies, headaches’ tend to be the result of sinus pain and inflammation. It can feel as if there is intense pressure inside the head or behind the eyes.

There are many different types of headache, but the one most commonly associated with seasonal allergies is a sinus headache.

There are four sinus cavities in the head. These are hollow air spaces connected to the nose by narrow passages which allow mucus and other fluids to drain away.

When the body reacts to pollen, the membranes of these cavities become inflamed, leading to an increase in the volume and viscosity (thickness) of the fluid produced. This mucus cannot drain away easily – resulting in an increase in pressure inside the sinus cavities.

This causes sinus headaches and other similar types of facial pain.

In addition to sinus headaches, it seems that seasonal allergies can also give rise to migraines. The reason why this comes about is still being investigated, but it seems that histamines released during an attack of seasonal allergies can also trigger migraine headaches.

The remedies you try for your headache will largely be dependent on the type of headache you are experiencing. For example, a sinus headache may benefit from treatment with a decongestant, such as holding your head over a steaming pot of water, or breathing in peppermint oil.

Whatever type of headache you experience, it is also important to keep hydrated by drinking plenty of water or clear fluids. This also helps to thin the mucus building up in your sinuses, helping the substance drain away. Being hydrated also promotes good blood flow and circulation, minimising your risk of developing migraine headaches.

However, the most effective home remedies for seasonal allergies headaches are likely to be those which involve reducing your exposure to pollen such as by avoiding areas of newly cut grass, or wearing glasses when outdoors.

Wash your hands before you touch your face to reduce the amount of pollen from your hands to your nose, mouth or eyes.

The most effective herbs in the treatment of seasonal allergies headaches are those which help tackle the root of the problem.

A.Vogel Allergy Relief Tabs combine seven different herbs which help to target the body’s abnormal reaction to pollen. This will help not only to ease nasal congestion, but other symptoms associated with seasonal allergies such as sneezing, itchy nose, scratching throat, burning eyes, lacrimation (watery eyes).

If you are suffering from a sinus headache and feel that a decongestant may ease your symptoms, then Sinna Nasal Spray may bring you the relief you are seeking. It relieves nasal congestion, reduces inflammation of mucous membranes and supports the body’s natural protective function.

Conventional medicines can be used to treat seasonal allergies symptoms.

In general, doctors are likely to advise anti-histamines to combat the excess release of histamine in the body. Anti-histamines can be bought over-the-counter, and can be taken as required to tackle symptoms or as a preventative measure. Some anti-histamines cause drowsiness and so you may need to be careful when driving or using machinery.

In extreme cases and for quick but short-term relief, your doctor may suggest a course of steroids. It is inadvisable to use steroid treatment for more than ten days, as unpleasant side-effects may be seen with long-term usage.

Other forms of treatment that may be recommended include cromoglycate tablets or sprays. They work by reducing the tendency of your immune system to react to pollen.