What to do if you have a headache in the heat? The doctor gave simple recommendations

What to do if you have a headache in the heat? The doctor gave simple recommendations

These tips will allow you to enjoy the summer weather without health consequences.

GP, gastroenterologist, nutritionist

“According to WHO global estimates, 4% of the world’s adult population experiences headache 15 or more days per month. Although the incidence of this symptom varies by region, the problem is worldwide and affects people regardless of age, race or where they live.”

Causes of headaches in the heat

• First, under the influence of temperature, blood vessels dilate, blood pressure decreases – blood supply to tissues worsens.
• Secondly, in order to thermoregulate, we sweat profusely in the heat – some of the fluid is lost. Dehydration occurs: blood thickens – blood supply to tissues, including the brain, suffers. In response, there is a sharp spasm of blood vessels.
• Dilation of blood vessels and the following narrowing – the main cause of headaches. When cold drinks are ingested, the spasm is intensified.

It is worth noting that 50% of people experience headaches and in conditions of normal temperature. Against the background of an increase in temperature, symptoms worsen and progress.

Symptoms and diagnosis

There are so-called “red flags” of headaches, in which you should consult a doctor:

• A headache in which you are unable to engage in your usual activities;
• a headache that gets worse with any physical activity and lying down;
• headache that is accompanied by skin rashes, fever, impaired consciousness,
• headache that progresses or changes its usual characteristics.

It should not be forgotten that hot weather can be both the main trigger for the appearance of complaints and a factor that aggravates the course of the disease.

Prevention

It is necessary to keep a headache diary.

This requires:

• Pay attention to the localization of pain;
• its strength and severity;
• characterization;
• possible provocateur, including heat/being in a stuffy room;
• blood pressure and pulse rate;
• other symptoms: nausea/vomiting/headache, etc.

Headache with a change in ambient temperature does not always require medication. Especially if the main provocateurs for the appearance of complaints are:

• consumption of cold drinks;
• prolonged stay in a stuffy room/longed stay in the open sun – as a rule, this can be worked with by following simple tips.

Consider some of them:

1. Don’t forget about taking enough fluids (30-40 ml per kg of weight). Room temperature water or slightly cool water will do. It is important to avoid alcoholic, carbonated and sweet drinks.
2. Avoid being in a stuffy room. Even without being in the open sun, you can get heat stroke.
3. Avoid harsh smells and sounds, bright lights.
4. Use protective headgear made of lightweight, light-colored fabric.
5. Take cool showers. You can apply a compress with cold water to the head, make foot baths with warm and cold water. Dip your feet in them and keep them for 30 seconds until the water temperature is the same. Continue the procedure for about 10-15 minutes. Over time, you can increase the temperature difference in the baths. A similar mechanism of action (tension and relaxation of the vascular wall) has sports, as well as visiting saunas and baths.
6. If you suffer from high blood pressure, always keep with you the medication prescribed by your doctor, because the heat aggravates the symptoms.

Headaches are one of the most common reasons to see a doctor in the summer. However, following the above recommendations will allow you to enjoy the weather without health consequences. If the symptoms are bothering you regardless of the weather, it’s time to see a doctor and find out what’s causing the pain.