Symptom 4: Nasal Congestion and Runny Nose: The Respiratory Symptoms of Cluster Headaches
You may wonder, what does a headache have to do with a runny nose or nasal congestion? Surprisingly, with cluster headaches, they’re connected. One of the lesser-known but common symptoms of cluster headaches is a runny nose or congestion on the affected side. This symptom can be easily overlooked or mistaken for a sign of a common cold or allergy.
The nasal symptoms are part of the body’s response to the intense pain and are not a result of an actual respiratory issue. Think of it as a false alarm, a response triggered by the body’s confusion in dealing with the pain. This can be puzzling and frustrating for the person experiencing it, adding another layer of discomfort to an already distressing situation.
In some cases, the nasal symptoms may precede the onset of the headache, giving individuals a warning of what’s to come. Other times, they might accompany the headache, further intensifying the discomfort. What’s interesting is that these nasal symptoms are usually one-sided, just like the headache, adding to the strange nature of cluster headaches.
These nasal symptoms serve as a reminder of the complex and widespread effects of cluster headaches. They affect not just the head, but also various other systems in the body. This adds a new dimension to understanding cluster headaches, and reminds us of the importance of a comprehensive treatment approach that considers all symptoms. (4)
