Sniffle Solutions

Headache pain in the neck and forehead can be attributed to a variety of factors. A common trigger is allergies, which are usually accompanied by itchy, watery eyes and a runny nose with clear mucus. When you have an allergic reaction, your body releases histamines, which kick up mucus production. That’s why your nose runs and your eyes get watery. It’s also why fluid collects in places it wouldn’t normally, like your sinuses, causing pressure, which can lead to a headache. Antihistamines and nasal irrigation systems like neti pots are generally the go-to treatments for headaches related to allergies.

Your son’s headache pain might also indicate a sinus infection, which could be caused by a cold as well as allergies. Sinus infection symptoms often include a runny nose with greenish mucus, pain with a tap on the cheek or forehead, and sometimes fever. Once you get a sinus infection, you typically have to treat it with antibiotics in addition to treating whatever caused it, though nasal irrigation systems can sometimes clear up an infection without medication.

Headaches can be caused by a host of other things as well, like a toothache or even poor vision. Parents often don’t think to ask whether their child can make out details on the chalkboard or movie screen, because they don’t realize that kids who need glasses often complain of headache pain due to eye fatigue.

Without an examination, it’s difficult to say for sure what’s causing your son’s headache pain. See his primary health care provider, who can figure out exactly what’s wrong and treat it accordingly.