Can Allergies Cause Headaches? What You Need to Know

If allergy season brings on headaches, you’re not alone. While sneezing, congestion, and itchy eyes are common allergy symptoms, many people don’t realize that their headaches might also be connected.

At American Sinus Institute, we help patients uncover the real causes behind allergy-related symptoms and sinus headaches, offering lasting relief when at-home remedies fall short.

What Causes Allergies?

Allergies occur when your immune system reacts to substances like pollen, dust, mold, or pet dander. These allergens irritate the lining of your nose and sinuses, causing inflammation and swelling. 

When your sinuses become inflamed and can’t drain properly, pressure builds up inside the sinus cavities. This pressure can cause pain in areas around your eyes, forehead, cheeks, and even your upper teeth. That pain is what’s known as a sinus headache. Unlike tension or migraine headaches, sinus headaches usually come with other symptoms like nasal congestion, facial tenderness, and a feeling of fullness in your head. If the underlying sinus issue isn’t treated, those symptoms can get worse.