Yes, allergies can trigger migraine headaches. While allergies don't directly cause migraines, the body's inflammatory response to allergens can act as a trigger.
How Allergies Trigger Migraines
Several mechanisms link allergies and migraines:
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Inflammation: Allergic reactions cause inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can irritate the trigeminal nerve, a major player in migraine development. Increased inflammation, as noted by the American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI), is a key factor. https://acaai.org/allergies/symptoms/headaches/
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Histamine Release: The body releases histamine during an allergic response. High histamine levels are associated with migraine attacks. Research, while still exploring the precise pathophysiological link, highlights the epidemiological connection between migraines and allergies. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10218803/
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Nasal Congestion: Stuffy noses, a common allergy symptom, can put pressure on the sinuses and further irritate the trigeminal nerve, potentially leading to a migraine. This is supported by various sources, including https://www.healio.com/news/allergy-asthma/20230426/qa-seasonal-allergy-symptom-treatment-may-also-improve-migraine-outcomes
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Increased Migraine Frequency: Research shows a correlation between allergies, asthma, and migraine frequency. Individuals might experience more frequent migraines during peak allergy seasons (spring and fall). This is evidenced by the observation that some people report worsening headache symptoms during these times due to pollen exposure.
Examples: Someone with seasonal allergies might experience more frequent migraines during the spring, when tree pollen is prevalent, or in the fall, with ragweed pollen.
Important Note:
Allergies don't cause migraines in the sense of being the sole underlying cause. Rather, they act as a trigger, exacerbating an existing predisposition or initiating an attack in susceptible individuals. Other migraine triggers include stress, sleep deprivation, and certain foods. https://www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-triggers-allergies
