Oatmeal & Headaches

Headaches that develop from eating oatmeal are uncommon and may be a sign of an allergic reaction. Although oatmeal is not a common food allergen, it may contain gluten, a protein that commonly triggers an allergic reaction from eating wheat, barely or rye. Other ingredients in the oatmeal may also trigger a food allergy, such as tree nuts, dairy or soy. Headaches that form from an allergic reaction to oatmeal are the result of sinus inflammation.

Oatmeal Allergies

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that any food can trigger an allergic reaction that can result in a wide variety of symptoms 1. The cause of a food-related allergic reaction is an overly sensitive immune system to one or more of the proteins in the oatmeal. The immune system identifies the proteins as dangerous substances and a threat to the body and reacts by attacking the proteins. Immunoglobulin E antibodies trigger a chemical reaction throughout the body, causing white blood cells to produce histamine, according to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Histamine is a chemical that protects the body from infection but also increases inflammation.

Headache

The result of histamine released in nasal tissue is swelling and inflammation from increased blood flow. Shortly after eating oatmeal, you may develop a stuffy nose that is blocked by the swollen sinus tissue. Histamine also causes mucus membranes to increase the amount of mucus created in the nasal passages, which complicates the problem because the excessive mucus cannot drain out of the nose. These two actions create an abnormal amount of pressure throughout the head that causes pain. Sinus headaches primarily cause pain in the forehead and behind the eyes and cheekbones.

Identification

Your doctor will recommend allergy testing to determine the exact protein that is triggering the allergic reaction that’s causing sinus pain. Skin tests are commonly performed to see how the skin reacts when a small amount of oat proteins are placed under your skin. If the skin becomes inflamed, develops bumps or becomes itchy, you may have an allergy. Blood tests will be performed to confirm and clinically diagnose which proteins cause an allergic reaction in your body.

Treatment

Once identified, you will be advised by your physician to eliminate all foods that contain the proteins that trigger an allergy. Sinus headaches are commonly treated with antihistamines to reduce histamine levels, decongestants to reduce swelling in the sinus tissues and pain relievers to alleviate any pain.