Spring: the season of migraines and allergies

Spring brings frequent changes in sunshine and rain, which means that the barometric pressure also fluctuates. It is also a problematic time for allergy sufferers. Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and sinus inflammation are common.

The changes can often be subtle and do not affect everyone the same way, but keeping an eye on them is always useful for prevention. Studies show that more than 60 percent of migraine sufferers are aware of the influence of seasonal changes on their attacks and report more visits to the doctor during the spring.

The link between allergies and migraines

There is a close link between allergies and migraines. Allergens flare up during the spring and headaches increase. Pollen, dust or even simple smells in your environment can irritate your nasal passages and trigger an allergic reaction accompanied by sneezing, congestion, coughing and headaches.

Moreover, barometric pressure fluctuates during seasonal changes, and since barometric headaches are a common factor for migraine sufferers, it is not surprising that these changes can cause practically routine attacks.

The sinuses are like air pockets with an internal pressure that often coincides with that of the atmosphere. When the external pressure suddenly changes, it creates an imbalance between what is going on inside and outside the head, which can lead to that extremely uncomfortable (and often debilitating) migraine attack.

Hydrate, take magnesium supplements, get plenty of sleep and the SHA Method

The most important factor when it comes to combating spring migraines is the identification of your personal triggers. A personalised patient evaluation, a cornerstone at SHA Wellness Clinic, will make a decisive contribution to finding the best way to prevent or treat seasonal migraines.

Now that using a face mask has become routine, it’s undoubtedly become a fantastic way to avoid direct contact with allergens.

And of course: see your doctor. He or she will tell you whether antihistamines and other allergy medications have an effect on you and whether it is safe to use them in combination with other common migraine remedies.

Other preventive measures would be to protect your eyes from light, hydrate properly, take magnesium supplements, follow a regular sleep schedule, get enough rest and spend time each day in meditation.

All these measures are part of the “SHA Method” and have been shown to reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches and improve pain tolerance.