Pinellas Times

• It's estimated that 70-80% of the population experiences headaches, with around 50% experiencing them at least once a month.
• Allergies and sinus problems are common triggers for some of these headaches.
• It is advisable to consult a doctor if headaches occur more than 15 days per month and over-the-counter medications fail to provide relief.

Headaches are one of the most common side effects of sinus and allergy problems. According to Dr. Mariah Pate of Tampa Bay Breathe Free, sinus headaches can greatly affect patients.  

“Sinus headaches can be debilitating. There are many different types of headaches – over 100 different types,” Dr. Pate told the Pinellas Times. “So, it can be confusing for patients sometimes. Sinus headaches are generally headaches located in the area above the eyes and right below the eyes, where the sinus openings are located.”

Your sinuses are air-filled spaces inside your forehead, cheekbones, and behind the bridge of your nose. When they get inflamed—usually because of an allergic reaction or an infection—they swell, make more mucus, and the channels that drain them can get blocked. According to WebMD, the build-up of pressure in your sinuses causes pain that can feel like a headache.

There are many common allergies that can lead to headaches. These include allergic rhinitis, also known as hay fever, food allergies, and histamines. If you have a headache along with seasonal and indoor nasal allergies, it’s more likely due to a migraine headache rather than allergies. However, pain related to hay fever or other allergic reactions may cause headaches due to sinus disease.

At times, allergies related to sinus disease can cause headaches. Although it’s a good idea to discuss taking any medication with your doctor, you can address certain allergies—and allergy-related symptoms such as headaches—with preventive steps and OTC medications. If your allergies get to a point where they’re interfering with your day-to-day activities, schedule an appointment with your doctor for a full diagnosis and possibly a referral to an allergist.  

Sinus headaches are associated with pain and pressure in the face and sinuses and can cause nasal symptoms such as inflammation of the sinus, nasal congestion, pain, pressure and fullness in your cheeks, brow, or forehead, worsening pain if you bend forward or lie down, stuffy nose, fatigue, and an achy feeling in your upper teeth.

According to Tampa Bay Breathe Free's website, Dr. Mariah Pate, a certified otolaryngologist, graduated magna cum laude from the University of Florida. She earned her medical degree from Quillen College of Medicine at East Tennessee State University, finishing in the top 5% of her class. Dr. Pate completed her otolaryngology internship and residency at the Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University.