Headaches from fish oil aren't a common side effect, according to MedlinePlus. Fish oil supplements are used to increase your daily omega-3 intake. A healthy adult should not experience adverse reactions to fish oil supplements when taken as directed. If you get headaches after ingesting fish oil, inform your doctor. The headaches may be a result of a fish allergy that's causing nasal congestion and a sinus headache. Consistent headaches may be a sign of a serious condition and should be discussed with your doctor.
Fish Oil Allergy
If you're allergic to fish, MedlinePlus recommends that you don't consume fish oil. Fish oil supplements remove most fish proteins but can contain small traces. During a fish allergy, your body overreacts to the proteins found in the fish oil, according to MayoClinic.com. The immune system attacks the proteins with histamine and IgE antibodies. This results in increased inflammation and irritation in soft tissue throughout the body. Increased levels of histamine in the sinus cavity can cause sinus inflammation.
Allergic Sinus Headache
Histamine irritates the sinuses, causing them to swell. When the sinuses swell, they place pressure on the surrounding areas. This pressure leads to facial tenderness and pain throughout the head, such as pain behind the cheeks, the eyes and in the forehead, according to the University of Maryland's Medical Center. The sinus headache develops as a throbbing pain in the center of the head that's worst upon waking and decreases throughout the day.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms you may experience if allergic to fish oil are digestive complications, skin reactions and respiratory issues. Digestive complications may include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramping, abdominal pain and vomiting. You can develop hives, general inflammation in the skin and eczema as a result of a fish oil allergy. Respiratory issues include wheezing, coughing and difficulty breathing, according to MayoClinic.com.
Treatment
Treat sinus headaches with an antihistamine, decongestant and pain reliever. Antihistamines block mast cells from creating high levels of histamine; decongestants restrict the blood flow to the sinus cavity; and pain relievers alleviate the head pain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Warning
MedlinePlus warns that a severe allergic reaction to fish oil supplements can lead to death if not properly addressed. During a severe allergic reaction, your body experiences a state of shock. Common symptoms include flushed skin, shortness of breath, a rapid heart rate and a drop in blood pressure.
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