Can Allergies Cause Headaches and How To Help Yourself

8.13.2025 0 comments

Author: Trisha Houghton, CNS, ASIST

When allergy season rolls around, typically spring through fall depending on where you live, the sniffles start up, your eyes start watering…you just feel crummy. These symptoms are to be expected.

But what about those days when your head is pounding; are allergies to blame then? Or is it more of a coincidence?

Read on to find out whether allergies can cause headaches and learn about tips and tricks you can use to get through the sneezing season.

How Allergies Can Lead to Headaches

In the scientific world, it’s a well-known fact that allergies can trigger migraines and sinus headaches.

How? Several mechanisms can be at work, and here are the main ones: 

• Histamines (chemicals your immune system releases in response to an allergy trigger) can induce migraine attacks by increasing your nitric oxide levels and widening your blood vessels. Histamine and nitric oxide are regularly referenced in relation to inflammation and migraines.
• Indoor and outdoor allergens activate trigeminal nociceptors, which are sensory neurons in the trigeminal nerve. They guard against potentially damaging stimuli and send signals to the brain to produce a pain sensation. This can cause a headache.
• Having allergic rhinitis can increase an individual’s risk of experiencing migraine headaches due to histamines and other allergic mediators resulting in inflammation and vasodilation.
• Sinus headaches may be caused by swelling of your sinus cavities (prompted by allergens and your body’s response to them). When a sinus cavity becomes swollen, it can become totally blocked, causing pressure to build to levels that cause a sinus headache. Mayo Clinic notes that sinus swelling can cause pressure and pain however, many ‘sinus headaches’ are actually migraines.

*This isn’t an exhaustive list of mechanisms responsible for migraine headaches or sinus headaches.

As evidenced by the above list, histamines, nitric oxide, and other allergic mediators can cause a chain reaction of inflammation, blood vessel dilation, and nerve activation that results in head pain. That said, effects vary by person.

Note: Cluster headaches are not often associated with allergies, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology. And very little research links tension headaches to allergies.

Common Allergens That Trigger Head Pain

There are loads of different allergens that could trigger your allergies and, consequently, head pain.

The most common triggers include:

• Pollen/high pollen counts;
• Certain foods (alcohol, aged cheeses, some processed meats);
• Pets or farm animals/animal dander;
• Dust mites in the home;
• Mold;
• And more;

Also, some medications and fragrances can trigger rebound headaches or worsen headaches.

This study from 2023 notes the following head pain triggers, some of which are related to allergies:

• Weather changes;
• Seasonal variations;
• Exercising;
• Certain foods.
• Emotional stress;
• Changes to your sleep pattern;
• Nasal congestion throughout allergy season;

Remember that allergy symptoms vary from individual to individual, and your triggers may expand beyond the above lists and vary based on the types of headaches.

If you’re concerned about how to manage allergens or head-pain triggers, primary care physicians (PCPs) and allergy specialists (Allergenists) are great resources to explore.

Symptoms of Allergy-Related Headaches

A headache tied to allergies can overlap with migraine or sinus symptoms. Many perceived ‘sinus headaches’ are actually a migraine headache.

A headache from allergies comes with a variety of symptoms, many of which overlap with those of migraines and sinus headaches.

Symptoms include, but aren’t limited to:

• Pain on one or both sides of the head;
• Sinus pain;
• Facial pain;
• Sinus pressure;
• Nausea;
• Mood changes;
• Difficulty concentrating;
• Runny nose;
• Stuffy nose;
• Dizziness;
• Nasal obstruction;
• Loss of sense of smell.

Wondering whether your headaches are related to allergies? If you’re noticing other classic allergy symptoms, chances are allergies could be the culprit. But the only way to know for sure is to contact a healthcare professional.

Sinus Headaches vs. Migraines: Spotting the Difference

Now, how do you tell the difference between sinus headaches and chronic migraines?

The American Migraine Foundation states that the main difference is the pain’s location – migraine headache often involves pulsating or throbbing pain localized to one side of your head. Whereas, sinus headaches are characterized by pain behind your eyes, in your cheekbones, along the bridge of your nose, or on your forehead. It may also manifest as tooth pain.

Other differences between these headache types include: 

• Pain intensity: Intensity of headache is usually higher with migraines.
• Origin of headache: Sinus area pain can follow a viral or bacterial infection or allergy-driven inflammation. Many cases that are labeled “sinus headaches” are actually migraines.
• Sensitivities: Sensitivity to light, sound, and other stimuli is mainly attributed to migraines – not sinus headaches.
• Presence of stomach issues: Nausea and vomiting are common with migraines, but not with sinus headaches.

Since some of the symptoms of migraine attacks and sinus headaches can overlap (namely watery eyes and sometimes nasal symptoms), doctors often misdiagnose migraines as sinus headaches.

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The Role of Histamines in Headache Development

We’ve mentioned histamines a few times by this point. That’s because they’re very important to the development of headaches, especially triggering migraines in some people.

They are there to help your body expel irritants through sneezing, eye watering, and other means. But they contribute to headaches mainly by inflaming your nasal passages, activating trigeminovascular pathways and activating pain pathways.

This creates the perfect environment for head pain to take hold.

Seasonal Allergies and Their Impact on Your Head

Seasonal allergies can have a direct impact on your head by increasing your chances of developing a headache, as mentioned earlier.

But in addition to that, an article published in Harvard Health Publishing states that you could also experience brain fog, where you’re not able to focus or concentrate as adeptly as normal.

This is thought to be because allergy symptoms can sometimes disrupt your sleep. Also, as your body fights the allergic inflammation, you can become even more tired. Studies even found that seasonal allergic rhinitis (also called hay fever) can negatively affect your short-term attention and working memory.

Food Allergies: Could They Be Causing Your Headache?

A food allergy is an allergic reaction following ingestion or exposure to a specific food. It could be peanuts, shellfish, milk, eggs, etc. Allergies of this type could be triggering your headache.

And it’s due to mechanisms that trigger a migraine. They actually are usually not allergy or histamine driven. If you often experience headaches after eating a given food, we recommend tracking your symptoms and having a conversation with a medical professional about potential food sensitivities and allergies.

Environmental Allergens: Dust, Mold, and More

Many people suffer from environmental allergies, which may be activated when normally harmless environmental substances enter the body. Dust, mold, dust mites, and pollen are a few environmental allergens you’re likely to come in contact with on a regular basis.

These allergens can trigger immune responses that lead to inflammation, congestion, and ultimately, headache symptoms. 

Diagnosing Allergy-Related Headaches

To find relief from allergy-related headaches, you’ll need to see an allergist or your primary care provider for an accurate diagnosis. They have the tools and resources to diagnose and treat allergy headaches.

The diagnostic process typically goes like this: 

1. Your provider will start by taking a detailed medical history. To do so, they’ll ask you a series of questions about your health (past and present), your family history, any medications you’re on, and more. All of this information will be recorded.
2. Your medical provider will take a close look at your symptoms with the goal of determining which types of tests will be necessary or helpful for diagnosing purposes.
3. You’ll undergo any necessary allergy tests in an effort to identify your unique triggers. They may use any combination of skin tests, blood tests, or rarely, if suspected food allergies, a food challenge.
4. Once all test results are in, the doctor will attempt to identify the underlying cause of your allergies. They’ll pinpoint your triggers and formulate a treatment plan designed for effective, lasting allergy relief. This may help with your associated headaches. It could involve allergy shots, prescribed at-home medications, and more.

Note: Your doctor may not go through these steps in the same specific order as outlined above. Be sure to ask any questions that come up for you throughout the process.

Over-the-Counter Remedies for Relief

When you need quick relief from allergies, all you usually need to do is take a quick trip to your neighborhood drugstore. Nowadays, there are loads of different over-the-counter remedies for run-of-the-mill allergy symptoms as well as headache pain.

This 2020 study states that, to take the edge off of a migraine, you can consider pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil), aspirin, and naproxen. However, use sparingly to prevent what’s called rebound headaches caused by overuse of these aids. These are considered first-line therapy for those dealing with migraines.

For those who have sinus problems from allergies, the following OTC medications can be helpful: 

• Decongestants (only okay for short-term use, avoid if you have high blood pressure);
• Nasal steroid sprays/intranasal corticosteroids;
• Pain relievers;
• Saline nasal sprays, and more.

When you’re shopping around, don’t be afraid to ask the pharmacist any questions you might have about your OTC medication options.

Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Allergy Headaches

Did you know that simple changes to your everyday routine can help to reduce your allergy headaches? It’s true, and science has proven it time after time, several lifestyle changes can help though everyone is different.

According to a 2022 study published in Frontiers in Neurology, these changes may be most beneficial to those with migraines: 

• Avoiding any known migraine triggers;
• Maintaining a healthy weight;
• Not drinking too much alcohol;
• Getting active on a regular basis;
• Drinking enough water;
• Managing stress.

The above changes can also be helpful in the reduction of sinus headaches.

When to Seek Professional Help

We’ve mentioned talking to a professional here and there thus far, but when does it become vital to seek professional help for an allergy-related headache?

These are the instances where it makes sense to seek care:

• The pain comes on suddenly;
• Neurologic signs;
• You’re at least 50 years old;
• You have cancer or are immunocompromised;
• The pain gets worse with postural changes or physical activity.

So, if you are exhibiting any of these issues or believe you’ve got a sinus infection, be sure to talk to your primary care provider or a headache specialist.

Conclusion

Allergies can contribute to headaches, especially via sinus pressure or by triggering a migraine in some people. They can do much more than make you sneeze – they can also leave your head aching (‘sinus headaches’ are usually misattributed and really are migraines in most cases).

From histamine-driven inflammation to trigeminal nerve activation to sinus pressure, multiple mechanisms link allergic reactions to head pain.

To minimize the pain, you can try OTC pain relievers, antihistamines, lifestyle changes, and more. But, by far, the best option, especially if symptoms are frequent or severe, is to get professional help and a treatment plan for lasting relief, whether it be fewer attacks or reduced pain during a headache.

Research is ongoing on this topic with the goal of exploring how your immune system, brain, gut, and even genetics can affect the allergy-headache connection and successful treatment. As time progresses, we aim to bring you information on emerging science-backed solutions supporting both immune balance and how to prevent allergy headaches.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a histamine headache feel like?

A histamine headache usually refers to a cluster headache – one of the most painful types of headaches. Cluster headaches cause excruciating, stabbing, and penetrating pain, typically centered around one eye. The pain comes on suddenly (often at the same time each day) and may be accompanied by a watery, tearing eye and a stuffy nose on the affected side. These headaches are thought to be linked to the body’s sudden release of histamine (an immune chemical), which is why they earned the nickname “histamine headaches”.

Do allergy headaches get worse when you lay down?

Yes, allergy-related headaches (often sinus headaches) can feel worse when lying down. Sinus pressure tends to increase when you are flat, so pain and pressure in the forehead, cheeks, or around the eyes can intensify if you bend forward or lie down. Many people notice their allergy sinus headache is most painful first thing in the morning after lying flat overnight. Once you sit or stand up (allowing your sinuses to drain), the pressure usually eases and the headache often improves.

Can allergies cause a heavy head feeling?

Yes. Nasal allergies can absolutely cause a “heavy head” sensation due to sinus congestion and inflammation. When your body reacts to allergens (like pollen, dust, or pet dander), it can lead to head pressure and pain as a symptom. In fact, sinus headaches from allergies often feel like a persistent dull ache or tightness in the head – making your head feel especially heavy. Relieving the nasal congestion (for example, with antihistamines or decongestants) usually lightens this heavy-headed feeling as the sinus pressure goes down.

What does a mold headache feel like?

A headache triggered by mold exposure often feels much like a sinus headache. People commonly describe mold-related headaches as a dull, constant pressure or ache around the forehead, eyes, or cheeks. It can also sometimes escalate to feel like a migraine – with throbbing pain, and even nausea or light sensitivity in some cases. Because mold spores can provoke an allergic response, a “mold headache” often comes with typical allergy symptoms (like a stuffy nose or sneezing) along with the head pain.

Sources 

Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Daily Headaches: Is There a Link?

Pathological Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets for Trigeminal Neuropathic Pain

The prevalence of migraine headaches in patients with allergic rhinitis

Headaches – ACAAI

Migraine, Allergy, and Histamine: Is There a Link?

Allergic Rhinitis and Chronic Daily Headaches: Is There a Link?

Migraine Headache

“Sinus Headache”: Diagnosis and Dilemma?? An Analytical and Prospective Study

How to Know if You Have Migraine or Sinus Headache

Sneezy and dopey? Seasonal allergies and your brain

Allergic rhinitis impairs working memory in association with drop of hippocampal – Prefrontal coupling

A Comprehensive Review of Over-the-counter Treatment for Chronic Migraine Headaches

Lifestyle Modifications for Migraine Management

Sinusitis (Sinus Infection or Sinus Inflammation)

Diagnosis and Management of Headache: A Review

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