What is a headache?
Headaches cause throbbing pain in a person’s head, they are one of the most common health problems
Almost everyone experiences a headache at some point of time. But frequent and recurring headaches are a sign that something might be wrong with your health.
What are the types of headaches?
There are many different kinds of headaches, some of which are:
1. Migraine headaches
Migraine headaches are the most intense kind of headache. They cause a throbbing and pulsating pain in the head that may last for a few hours or at max 3 days.
A person suffering from migraine may also feel sensitivity to light, smells, and noise.
Vomiting, upset stomach, nausea, lightheadedness, loss of appetite, pain in the belly, blurry vision and fever are other symptoms of a migraine.
2. Tension headaches:
Tension headaches usually make a person feel like they have a tight band or grip around their head.
The pain in this type usually initiates from the middle of the head in the form of a dull constant ache. Later on the pain stretches towards the sides of the head and sometimes to the neck too.
For some people tension headaches last a few hours or several days, while others may experience recurring headaches for at least 15 days every month for a period of 3 months.
3. Sinus headaches:
This type of headache causes a deep pain in the forehead, cheekbones and bridge of your nose and is accompanied with a runny nose, fever, dull ache in the ears and throat.
Sinus headaches are a result of inflammation in the cavities in your head.
4. Cluster headaches:
Cluster headaches are quite intense. They may cause severe pain around and behind your eyes too.
These headaches appear in the form of clusters, which means an episode of headache can occur more than once in a single day. These episodes last for 15 minutes to three hours.
5. Post Traumatic headaches:
Post-traumatic headaches are usually a result of an injury to the head. These headaches begin with a dull ache that intensifies with time.
Irritability, vertigo, lightheadedness, memory issues and lethargy are some other signs of trauma to your head.
Determining the type of headache is really important for the treatment of headache.
So make sure you visit the Best General Physician in Lahore and get yourself evaluated thoroughly to know which type of headache is bothering you.
What are the causes of headaches?
Some common causes of headaches are:
- throat or ear infection
- a cold or flu
- emotional stress
- bad sleeping patterns
- overuse of alcohol
- overuse of a medication
- changes in the weather
- strong smells
- pollution
- allergens
- genetics
- head injury
- hormonal imbalances
- high blood pressure
How can headaches be treated?
The most common treatment option for headaches are:
- over the counter pain relief medications
- prescription pain relief medications
- and rest
Another way of treating headaches is ruling out the symptoms that are causing headaches and treating them.
If your headache is still persistent after you are done with above-mentioned treatments then you should try:
- meditation
- CBT or cognitive behavioral therapy
- nutritional supplements
- herbal health products
- acupuncture
But before you start with these alternative treatment options, make sure to see the Best General Physician in Islamabad and get a heads up from them.
What can you do at home to treat headaches?
Here is how you can help yourself at home if you are suffering from a headache:
- Use a hot or cold pack around your head and neck.
- Eat your meals on time.
- Catch enough sleep.
- Include exercising in your daily routine.
- Limit your smoking and drinking habits.
- If you are a screen user take regular breaks to prevent your head and eyes from any strain.