Do you suffer from headaches? Here's how to get them under control!
As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, factors like humidity, dehydration and pollen count can lead to more frequent headaches and migraines. But how do you get them under control? And what’s the best way to ease the pain? Dr Semiya Aziz is here to share her advice.
Why do we tend to get more headaches in the warmer months?
Hot weather increases the likelihood of a headache or migraine, as heat puts the body under stress. When it's hot, our body has to work harder to maintain a safe temperature, meaning our heart rate increases and everything can go into overdrive.
Increased sweating in hot weather can also lead to dehydration - which then leads to headaches.
How do you combat weather-induced headaches?
Monitor weather changes and avoid triggers. For example, try and keep cool in very warm weather if this seems to be triggering your headaches, wear light, cotton clothing, maybe use a lighter duvet or bedsheet.
Make healthy lifestyle choices, not skipping meals, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep and keeping your stress under control.
Sinus headaches can be more frequent at this time of year?
Seasonal changes can cause sinus headaches. On hot days, when the air is dry, the mucus in your nose can become thick and sticky which blocks the sinuses and can cause headaches.
How do you treat a sinus headache?
Nasal rinsing several times a day can be effective.
Use a decongestant to reduce sinus swelling and allow the mucus to drain (this may not be suitable for everyone).
Take a warm steam shower or inhale water from a hot pan. Warm, moist air may help relieve sinus congestion.
What is a tension headache?
A tension headache is a constant ache that affects both sides of the head, often described as a band-like sensation across the head. You may also feel the neck muscles tighten and a feeling of pressure behind the eyes.
They often aren't severe enough to prevent you from doing everyday activities. It usually lasts for 30 minutes to several hours, but some cases can last for several days, they are not usually associated with nausea, vomiting or photophobia
What causes tension headaches?
Stress, tiredness and anxiety.
Squinting & bright sunlight.
Poor posture.
Missing meals, dehydration and a lack of physical activity.
Certain noises and smells.
How do you treat tension headaches?
Use relaxation methods such as meditation, or gentle exercises like pilates.
It's also important to ensure a good sleep routine.
Over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, although taken too regularly can result in medication overuse headache.
Dr Semiya's tips to help take control of headaches
1) Keep a headache diary 2) Stay hydrated, fit, healthy and sleep well 3) Apply an ice pack wrapped in a cloth to the affected areas (for sinus pain) 4) Avoid caffeine and alcohol
When should you visit a doctor?
You should see your doctor if your headaches are affecting your quality of life.
What's the difference between a headache and a migraine?
Headaches are a symptom and can have many causes. A migraine attack on the other hand is a neurological genetic disorder which we can not control, you may experience the symptom of a headache, that can cause moderate or severe head pain felt as a throbbing pain on 1 side of the head.
Migraines affect around 1 in every 5 women and around 1 in every 15 men. Many people also have symptoms such as feeling sick and increased sensitivity to light or sound.
The different types of migraines
There are various types of migraine:
Migraine with aura: Where there are specific warning signs just before the migraine begins, such as seeing flashing lights.
Migraine without aura: The most common type, where the migraine happens without the specific warning signs.
Migraine aura without headache: Where an aura or other migraine symptoms are experienced, but a headache doesn't develop.
How can you relieve a migraine?
Lie in a darkened room.
Use over-the-counter painkillers.
Drink a lot of water and try to eat something.
Your GP might recommend Triptan - specific painkillers for migraine are thought to work by reversing the changes in the brain. They are available as tablets, injections and nasal sprays.