As spring approaches and flowers bloom, many feel excited for the warmer weather and longer days. However, this season also brings the unwelcome onset of spring allergies for a lot of individuals.
Climate Central reports that one in four U.S. adults and one in five children have seasonal allergies. Sneezing, runny nose, and itchy and watery eyes are some of the most common spring allergy symptoms they experience.
But were you aware that allergies may also cause or worsen headaches?
Fortunately, there are practical ways to protect yourself. In this guide, we share how to treat allergy headaches and achieve spring allergy symptom relief.
Spring Allergies and Headaches: The Connection
One of the most common spring allergy triggers is pollen, which is a fine powder that emanates from trees, grass, and weeds.
Pollen can become airborne as plants release it. When people with allergies inhale this fine powder, their immune systems mistakenly identify it as a threat. As a result, the immune system triggers an inflammatory response that causes symptoms from sneezing to nasal congestion.
Part of that response is the release of chemicals known as histamines. Histamines can inflame the nasal passages, and when they do:
- The inflammation may block the sinus drainage.
- The blockage may increase the pressure in the sinuses.
- Elevation in pressure could trigger headaches or migraines in susceptible individuals.
How to Treat Allergy Headaches and Seasonal Allergy Preparation Tips
Managing the connection between spring allergies and headaches can seem overwhelming, but symptom relief is achievable. Here are some proactive steps you can take.
Stay Indoors
Before heading outdoors, check the pollen counts in your area. The AAAAI National Allergy Bureau website and The Weather Channel are both trusted resources for accurate pollen and mold levels.
If the pollen counts are high for the day, consider limiting outdoor activities to help keep headaches away.
Keep Windows Closed
Close all your windows on days with high pollen and mold counts. Instead, turn on the air conditioner to help keep indoor air cool and dry.
Take Comforting Showers
Consider taking showers after being outside and before heading to bed. They can help by:
- Washing away allergens like pollen that cling to the skin and hair.
- Keeping allergens from irritating your airways.
- Preventing allergens from spreading throughout your home.
Consider gammaCore
If you experience headaches or migraine due to allergies, consider talking to your health care provider about the portable, handheld medical device called gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS). It is clinically proven to provide relief from headache pain, including migraines and cluster headaches.
gammaCore nVNS device works by stimulating the vagus nerve. As a major cranial nerve, the vagus nerve plays many roles in inflammation and pain. Stimulating it can provide relief from migraine and headache pain.
Your Path to Relief
When it comes to how to treat allergy headaches in the spring, the answer is easier than you may think. From lifestyle changes to innovative treatments like gammaCore, simple changes like these can empower you to regain control and minimize the severity and frequency of your headache attacks and symptoms.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a healthcare provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
