Headaches are not considered a normal side effect of using whey protein. Whey protein is an isolated protein found in milk that is commonly used to add protein to the human diet for muscle strengthening and weight loss. Before you start taking a whey protein supplement, talk with your doctor about possible benefits and risks involved with the supplement. If you have a milk allergy you should not use whey protein products because systemic symptoms are triggered after consumption.
Whey Allergy
If you’re allergic to milk, ingesting whey protein will trigger an allergic reaction, unleashing a flood of chemicals that can cause a range of symptoms. The immune system identifies and removes any potentially harmful substances that enter the body. The immune system accomplishes this task by creating antibodies that attempt to fight off intruding substances, according to Kids Health. Even though whey proteins are not harmful to the body, the immune system mistakes them as dangerous. Immunoglobulin E antibodies are created to attack the whey protein, which results in a chemical reaction throughout the body.
Allergic Sinus Headache
Sinus headaches are commonly the result of an allergic reaction that can cause pain, pressure and tenderness. The presence of IgE antibodies in the bloodstream causes mast cells to create histamine. Histamine is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that helps protect the body from infection. Histamine is created in soft tissues, which causes inflammation and swelling. Your sinus cavities are made of soft tissues that are easily irritated. Shortly after ingestion whey proteins, you may develop nasal congestion and sinus headaches from inflammation. A sinus headache is typically worse in the morning when you first wake up and progressively gets better throughout the day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Treatment
Treating a sinus headache from an allergic reaction to whey proteins begins with identifying food sources and eliminating them from your diet. Once whey proteins are removed from your diet, sinus headaches should subside. If you accidentally ingest whey proteins, you may treat the headache with pain relievers, decongestants and antihistamines if a doctor clears it. These medications can help alleviate inflammation in the nasal passages, pain associated with sinus pressure and reduce the amount of histamine produced in the body.
Consideration
If you notice that headaches persist after you stop using whey protein, you may have another medical condition. Sinus headaches are commonly confused with migraine and tension headaches. Talk with your doctor about testing and possible treatment options.
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