Always have a headache in spring? It could just be hay fever

Headaches often have multiple causes. Photo: Unsplash

Everyone is blowing their nose, sneezing and scratching their eyes, but you are getting through spring effortlessly. Or not? Because anyone who suffers from vague headaches around the same time every year could easily be suffering from hay fever. Without even knowing it.

According to allergists, this happens more often than you think.

Many people think of allergies as sneezing fits and itchy eyes, but there’s a “silent” version: just a headache. “More people experience this than they realize,” Harvard Medical School ENT doctor Alan Workman tells HuffPost . “What often feels like a ‘sinus headache’ is actually an allergic reaction.”

Allergy headaches are usually around your forehead, cheeks, or eyes. They feel like a pressure sensation, rather than the sharp pain of a migraine. And: they tend to occur in the spring or fall, when pollen or mold fills the air. Do you see the same pattern every year? There’s a good chance it’s allergies.

A paracetamol or ibuprofen can help for a while, but it won’t solve the problem . It’s better to take an antihistamine like cetirizine or use a nasal corticosteroid spray. “For some people, a daily nasal spray during the season works really well,” says Workman. Allergy shots (immunotherapy) can also provide long-term relief.

– Use a nasal spray or neti pot to flush out your sinuses

– Drink plenty of water

– Apply a warm compress to your face

– Stay indoors on days with high pollen counts

– Keep windows and doors closed

Headaches often have multiple causes. If your symptoms keep coming back, it is wise to keep track of your symptoms and visit an allergist or ENT specialist. They can determine whether you are suffering from allergies, sinus problems or another form of headache and ensure that you receive the right treatment.