Grand Canyon 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. Brian Lee of Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy Center, sinus headaches stem from inflammation.  

“Sinus headaches essentially come from either air or mucus getting trapped in your sinuses,” Dr. Lee told the Grand Canyon Times. “And that drainage pathway or that drainage hole is what we were talking about when that gets lugged up. Now that can get plugged up from inflammation just from simple allergies, or a cold. One of the best ways to quickly alleviate that would be to take a decongestant like Sudafed, which helps shrink down some of the inflammation to get those sinuses to ventilate a little bit or relieve the pressure.”

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 Scottsdale Sinus and Allergy's website, Dr. Brian Lee graduated from Loma Linda University School of Medicine and was a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his internship and residency in otolaryngology (head and neck surgery) at the University of Southern California. Dr. Lee was named one of the Valley's "Top Doctors" by Phoenix Magazine in 2015 and 2016.