Research indicates that migraine and asthma often occur together, but there’s no evidence that indicates one causes the other.

People with asthma may experience migraine episodes more often than people without asthma.

A 2021 systematic review of 15 population-based studies involving more than 1 million participants indicated that migraine is commonly associated with a higher chance and risk of developing asthma. In the same way, the review found that having asthma often means someone has a higher chance of developing migraine.

Experts have theorized that factors that promote inflammation and immune system dysfunction may also lead to frequent migraine episodes in people with asthma.

Some of these underlying factors may include:

  • increased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system
  • raised neuropeptide levels (chemical messengers made of protein-like molecules)
  • increased activity of the histaminergic system (allergic reactions triggered by allergens like grass or pollen)

Allergens and irritants are at the core of allergic asthma. Allergic responses involve a type of white blood cell called mast cells. Scientists have theorized that the tissue around the brain can stimulate pain receptors and trigeminal nerve fibers when these mast cells are activated. The trigeminal nerve is thought to play a role in the development of migraine.

Researchers have also found some evidence that links histamine and the histaminergic system (involved in allergies) with the same physiological mechanisms underlying migraine. Histamine, a chemical involved in allergic responses, may also affect sleep, hormone levels, and brain activity. Some studies suggest that high histamine levels are linked to migraine episodes and headaches.

Environmental factors like air pollution may also play a role in both migraine and asthma, which could lead to co-occurring symptoms.

For example, more people seek hospital treatment for migraine in areas with high air pollution. Air pollution is a known trigger for asthma symptoms.

Sleep disorders may also underlie both conditions. Lack of sleep is common among people with asthma and has also been associated with migraine episodes.

Stress, inflammation, and nerve activity could contribute to both asthma and migraine symptoms.

Migraine headaches are the type of headache most commonly seen in people with asthma. These headaches feel the same as for people without asthma: severe throbbing or pulsing, usually on one side of your head.

Other symptoms of migraine headaches may include:

Migraine in people with asthma may cause a number of symptoms other than head pain and breathing difficulties.

Asthma, headaches, and dizziness

People with migraine can develop:

These symptoms can last seconds to days.

Asthma, headaches, and fatigue

About 60% of people with migraine also report chronic fatigue. Severe asthma can also cause low blood oxygen levels, which can lead to feeling tired and fatigued.

Asthma, headache, and vomiting or nausea

Migraine may cause gastrointestinal symptoms like:

  • abdominal pain
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Asthma, headache, and fever

Both asthma and migraine are unlikely to cause a fever. A rare type of migraine called hemiplegic migraine is linked to fever in severe cases.

Headaches can be a side effect of some asthma medications.

For example, salmeterol and albuterol, which are used to manage asthma symptoms, may lead to side effects like dizziness, fast heart rate, and headaches.

Environmental adjustments, when possible, may reduce the chance of migraine and headache episodes in people with asthma. Avoiding bright and flashing lights, strong smells and fumes, and loud sounds may be helpful for people with migraine and asthma.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, or ibuprofen may help manage some headaches. However, aspirin and some other pain medications may worsen asthma symptoms and also should never be given to children to avoid the risk of Reye’s syndrome.

It’s important to connect with a healthcare professional if you have asthma before taking pain medication for headaches and migraine.

A doctor may suggest a prescription migraine medication like a triptan in some severe cases. They may also recommend anti-nausea medications to treat nausea or vomiting that could worsen both migraine and asthma symptoms.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may also help prevent and manage migraine episodes.

If you have asthma, the American Lung Association recommends contacting a healthcare professional right away if you:

  • feel dizzy, faint, or weak
  • have trouble breathing during routine activities
  • have a persistent cough
  • are wheezing and out of breath, especially if this is not typical for you
  • notice your wheezing is getting worse even after quick-relief medication
  • have a strong allergic reaction

It’s also a good idea to contact a doctor if you have frequent (more than 5 in 1 month) or severe migraine episodes. You may benefit from preventive treatment.

Medical emergency

Call emergency medical services or go to the nearest emergency room if you or somebody you’re with experiences a headache with:

Migraine and asthma are common conditions that often co-occur. However, it’s still not clear if one causes the other or if they share common risk factors and physiological mechanisms. More research is needed to determine the exact nature of this relationship.