Sinus headache allergy is caused because of the response to the inflammation to the air inlet in the nose to the sinuses. Allergy can be caused because of the inhalation of any external substance which may cause swelling in the delicate nasal mucosa. The substances which may cause allergic headaches are

• Dust mites
• Animal hair
• Brake fluid on trains
• Exhaust fumes
• Printers ink
• Tobacco smoke
• Gas, oil, factory fumes
• Air fresheners
• Formaldehyde
• Chemical inhalants from plastics
• Flooring in shopping areas

Allergy may also be caused because of eating or drinking which has the same irritating effect. The resulting headache is known as vacuum headache.
Allergic headache is different from hay fever. In hay fever it rarely involves streaming of eyes and nose. It does not seem to be the effect of localized irritation with rapid onset of sneezing. But it is possible that the action of the chewing food may transmit allergies into the nasal cavity, provoking a response in the nose directly.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ALLERGIC SINUS HEADACHE

• Swelling inside the nose
• Difficulty in breathing through the nose
• Generalized headache
• Dizziness
• Sudden mood change- anxiety, depression
• Pain over the cheek-bones and eyebrows
• Pain at the base of the nose

Allergic sinus headache can be accompanied by

• Rapid pulse
• Feeling weak
• Swelling around eyes
• Hyperventilation
• Bloated abdomen
• Fluid retention

ALLERGIC SINUS HEADACHE SYMPTOMS

• Swelling of the lining of the gut
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety
• Hyperventilation can be seen

The allergic sinus headaches are seen minutes after exposure or may even take around six or more hours.
Few of the symptoms like restlessness and bloating is possibly seen even before the onset of headache.

The patient looks pale, puffy-faced and tired.

WHAT TO DO TO GET RELIEF FROM ALLERGIC SINUS HEADACHE SYMPTOMS

1. Incase if the allergy is caused because of intolerance to food then you can take a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda and potassium bicarbonate.
2. Drinking plenty of water as much as you can.
3. Eat a bland diet like rice, pasta.
4. To get relief from swelling of the nose one can try steam inhalation, steamy bath.
5. Antihistamines
6. Sodium cromoglycate nasal spray
7. Paracetamol for headache
8. Rest.

In long term complications test for food and chemical allergy and avoid them. Further try to avoid stress in order to get relief from allergy and sinus headaches.