The Allergy and Migraine Connection

Allergies may be more than just a pain in the neck. An association between allergic rhinitis and migraine headaches has been determined. People with allergic rhinitis appear to be 14 times more likely to get migraines compared to someone without nasal allergies, according to Dr. Min Ku.

This association is due, at least in part, to the release of histamine from allergic cells in the body, which makes blood vessels dilate, or relax. The same process can occur in blood vessels in the brain, possibly leading to a migraine headache.

The migraines occurring in allergy sufferers might respond to typical treatments for allergic rhinitis (such as anti-histamines and prescription nasal sprays), as well as to allergy shots.