Headaches could be because of many reasons. However, only a few are secondary to allergies. The so- called “sinus headaches,” which occurs after swelling of the sinus cavities, are usually found in patients with allergic nasal and sinus problems. The treatment of the nasal and sinus allergic condition can lead to decreased swelling and resolution of obstruction of sinus openings in nasal cavities, leading to resolution of headache. These headaches usually occur with other sinus symptoms, such as nasal discharge, feeling of fullness in the ears and facial swelling. If treating the allergic nasal and sinus problem doesn’t help your headache, then other types of headache have to be considered. Some are listed below: Tension headaches usually begin slowly, often starting in the middle of the day. Tension, or stress, headaches cause a constant, dull, achy feeling on both sides of the head. Some patients will notice a tight band-like feeling in the head. Certain foods contain chemicals capable of triggering headache. Some are enumerated below.
- Nitrate containing foods include broad beans, cured meats such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, hams, and smoked fish.
- Tyramine in high concentrates is found in aged cheeses, wines, pickled herring, chicken liver, yeast extracts and tablets, pickled meats or vegetables and sour cream.
- Caffeine is found in coffee, cocoa and cola drinks.
- Theobromine is in tea.
- Histamine-rich foods are fish, fermented cheese, sauerkraut, dry sausage, pickled cabbage and alcoholic beverages.
- Monosodium glutamate is a flavor enhancer used in season salts and other spices, especially used in Chinese foods.
Migraine headache is commonly accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light and sound. It can cause intense pulsing sensation in one area of the head. Cluster headaches occur in cyclical patterns. It commonly awakens in the middle of the night with intense pain in or around one eye on one side of your head. During remission, no headaches occur for months and sometimes even years. Temporomandibular joints disorder (TMJ) can also lead to headaches. It can be temporary or last many years. It might affect one or both sides of your face. Injury to your jaw, the joint, or the muscles of your head and neck, grinding or clenching your teeth and arthritis of the joint are some of the reasons for TMJ. Other causes include visual strain due to vision problem, hormonal fluctuations in women, low blood sugar, and high blood pressure.