If you develop sinus headaches after eating chocolate, you may have a minor allergy to cocoa or the dairy used to make the product. Chocolate is known to trigger common headaches, according to MedlinePlus. Sinus headaches are commonly confused with migraine headaches and need to be evaluated and diagnosed by a doctor, according to MayoClinic.com.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches are associated with inflammation in the sinus cavity, typically from sinusitis. When the sinuses become irritated and inflamed, they swell, placing excessive pressure on the surrounding areas of the head. You may experience sinus pressure pain in the cheeks, behind the eyes, in the upper teeth and the forehead. Most sinus headaches are worse in the morning when you first wake up and improve throughout the day.
Allergic Reactions
If you're allergic to chocolate or the dairy in the chocolate product, you can experience sinus headaches within minutes after consuming chocolate. Increased levels of histamine from an allergic reaction causes soft tissue such as the sinuses to become inflamed. During an allergic reaction, your immune system mistakes the chocolate or dairy as a harmful substance and attempts to fight it off with antibodies and histamine.
Migraine Consideration
Sinus headaches and migraines have similar symptoms, such as facial tenderness, sinus pressure and a dull, throbbing pain. Chocolate is a common trigger for migraine headaches but has distinctive symptoms that can help you decipher the difference. Migraine headaches typically cause nausea, vomiting and light sensitivity. A sinus headache will not cause these symptoms. You may want to go into a dark, quiet room and lie down to help alleviate the headache. Talk with your doctor for an accurate diagnosis.
Treatment
A sinus headache from chocolate can be prevented by avoiding consuming the product. If you accidentally consume chocolate, you can treat the sinus headache with over-the-counter drugs, according to MayoClinic.com. Decongestants help to reduce inflammation in the sinus cavity, pain relievers will alleviate sinus pain from pressure and antihistamines will help keep histamine levels to a minimum.
Warning
MayoClinic.com recommends you contact your doctor if your symptoms last for more than 10 days, you have a fever over 100.5 degrees and develop severe pain in the head. Signs of complications from a sinus headache include swelling in the forehead, blurred vision and a stiff neck.
