Dehydration Headache: An Overview
Sometimes, certain individuals don't drink enough water to the point of getting headaches or migraine. For some people, it could feel as simple as a hangover headache, a situation which is, in many cases, portrayed as a throbbing torment on the two sides of the head that is exasperated by active work. Be that as it may, the manner in which it feels can change, assuming there's another underlying medical condition that causes it.
To say the least, headaches are among the most well-known reasons for pain that can adversely influence day-to-day activities. Yet, what are the key signs that dehydration may be the reason for headaches? There are various sorts of headaches. No less than nine (9) out of ten (10) adults will encounter one sooner or later in their life. Don't worry, though, because a few headaches can be not so difficult to treat and stay away from. One of those kinds is a dehydration headache. So, what exactly is a dehydration headache?
This article investigates what a dehydration headache is, the symptoms and symptoms that a person would possibly have, and how they may deal with or stop it.
1.1 Dehydration and Headache
Dehydration takes place at whatever point you lose more water than you're taking in. In some cases, you may simply forget to hydrate or drink enough water. More often than not, however, lack of hydration happens when you practice vivaciously and neglect to recharge the water lost through sweat. Especially on extremely hot days, particularly when it's hot and moist, you can lose a lot of water through sweat. Dehydration is likewise a typical symptom of numerous prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs.
Mild dehydration might cause a dehydration migraine. Different side effects can include:
thirst
dry or sticky mouth
not urinating much
darker yellow urine
cool, dry skin
muscle cramps
1.2 How Does Dehydration Cause Headache?
There are not so many studies and research undertakings that tackle dehydration-related headaches without one more recognized cause. However, the available study at hand proposes it is feasible to get a headache after a period without drinking, which is immediately "relieved" by simply drinking water.
Furthermore, another way that manifests dehydration headache is through fasting migraine. Numerous solid food sources, for example, foods grown from the ground (i.e., fruits and vegetables), contain water, so fasting could likewise, in principle, prompt the cure or prevention of dehydration headaches.
As indicated by research, a fasting headache can happen for eight (8) to sixteen (16 ) hours in the wake of fasting starts. Mild dehydration typically settles once an individual resumes eating.
1.3 More Symptoms of Dehydration
A dehydrated headache can feel like a dull migraine or an extreme headache migraine. As such, the pain one will feel from dehydration headache can happen at the front, back, side, or all around the head. On an important note, don't try moving the head because it may cause more pain.
A dehydration headache is not the same as a sinus migraine because an individual encountering a lack of hydration migraine will probably not feel facial torment or strain. Pain is likewise far-fetched to happen toward the rear of the neck, as it could with a tension headache.
Point in case of dehydration, headaches can happen when the body has lost a lot of liquid, and side effects of drying out will happen with the headache.
More Symptoms of Dehydration Headaches:
extreme thirst
reduced urination
dark-colored urine
confusion
dizziness
fatigue
dry, sticky mouth
loss of skin elasticity
low blood pressure
increased heart rate
Certain individuals may possibly encounter a dehydration headache in the event that they are seriously got dried out or lose too much fluid. They might encounter the above side effects as well as extra side effects, for example:
lack of sweating
sunken eyes
fever
delirium
unconsciousness
shriveled skin
1.4 Causes of Dehydration Headaches
Dehydration headaches possibly happen when the body has lost an excess of liquid. Indeed, even mild dehydration can cause a dehydration headache. To reiterate, drying out happens when the body doesn't get sufficient water to address its issues. Certain variables can keep the body from recharging liquids and electrolytes.
These variables increment the gamble of dehydration and include:
diarrhea or lose bowels
vomiting
outrageous perspiring, either from heavy activity or heat
fever
excessive urination or pee
1.5 Other Related Causes for Dehydration Headaches
There are underlying medical conditions —related to headaches — that can be deteriorated by dehydration. For instance, drying out can be a trigger for episodes of headache or tension headaches. A tension headache, for the most part, causes pain in your head, neck, and some of the time behind your eyes. Migraine, on the other hand, is a neurological condition that can cause headache episodes and different side effects, for example, nausea or sensitivity to sound and light. A headache migraine likewise influences the brow or one side of the head. Migraine is commonly hereditary and can be very disabling when not handled properly.
Dehydration can set off or worsen cerebral pain associated with different medical conditions or the impacts of substances. For instance, you can encounter a hangover headache subsequent to drinking alcohol or liquor. Liquor can cause a lack of hydration, which can aggravate your cerebral pain.
A more clinical reason is orthostatic hypotension, which is an unexpected drop in pulse while standing upstanding. This condition is, in many cases, brought about by a heart or nerve issue or certain prescriptions and medication. It can prompt what is known as a coat-hanger migraine, which affects the rear of the head, the neck, and the shoulders. Another reason can be postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), which is a gathering of neurological conditions that can trigger headaches and coat-hanger migraines.
1.6 Risks Factors for Dehydration Headache
The truth is that anybody can encounter a lack of hydration. A great number of people will encounter mild dehydration. Nonetheless, a few people are at higher risk, including:
individuals who inhabit higher elevations
babies and small kids
elderly people
individuals with persistent ailments, like diabetes and kidney sickness
individuals who take meds that increment urination
athletes, competitors, or individuals participating in demanding physical work
individuals who live in warm environments or hot climates
How to Prevent Dehydration Headaches
It needs a little bit of self-awareness to know when the headache is a trigger for you. Additionally, assuming you have an underlying medical condition that can cause migraines, you can follow these moves toward forestalling a lack of hydration from exacerbating your headache or migraine. Ultimately, the most effective way to forestall a dehydration migraine is to keep away from lack of hydration or dehydration. An individual can find the accompanying ways to keep their liquid and electrolyte levels in balance:
Drink enough fluids
This is perhaps a very straightforward way to combat dehydration in general. A great number of people need no less than eight (8) cups of water each day. However, a few people might require more.
Eat liquid-rich food varieties
Food varieties like cucumbers, different vegetables, and organic products have a high water content.
Get sufficient liquid over the course of the day
Spreading out how much liquid should be consumed as opposed to drinking everything simultaneously helps keep the body hydrated.
Hydrate more during activity or when exposed to a hot and humid climate
During seasons of heavy sweating and perspiration, for example, during heavy activity or openness to a warm climate, one should increase their water consumption. Drinking more water during these times will recharge the additional liquids lost through sweat.
Treat underlying conditions for dehydration
Fevers and infections can make the body lose more liquid than expected. Tending to the reasons for drying out while expanding liquid intake can assist with forestalling dehydration symptoms.
Keep away from caffeinated drinks and liquor
Caffeine and liquor could both increment pee at any point yield, prompting a higher risk of dehydration.
Lessen difficult movement during heat or, on the other hand, if feeling unwell
Heat and disease can both increment the body's requirement for liquids. Weighty activity can cause additional liquid loss through sweat, which can be hazardous in these circumstances.
Dehydration Headache Treatments and Remedies
On the off chance that you have side effects of other underlying medical conditions, you might wish to address such with your primary care physician so you can seek proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment. In any case, on the off chance that you're dehydrated and are encountering a migraine, you ought to get some help by replenishing your liquids.
Drinking Water
In the first place, get a drink of water straight away. Most dehydration headaches settle in the span of three hours of drinking. You don't have to overhydrate: A basic glass or two of water ought to help much of the time.
Drinking excessively fast, in some cases, makes dehydrated individuals get nauseous and vomit, so taking slow, consistent sips is ideal. You may even suck on a couple of ice shapes, too.
Electrolyte Drinks
While plain water ought to get the job done, electrolyte solution drinks assist you with recharging the minerals your body needs for it to work efficiently.
You get electrolytes from the food varieties you eat and the things you drink. Lack of hydration can disturb the significant equilibrium of electrolytes in your body, so recharging them with a low-sugar sports drink could assist you with feeling improved.
OTC Pain Relievers
On the off chance that your headache doesn't further develop even after drinking water, you can have a go at taking an OTC pain killer, for example:
ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB)
aspirin (Bufferin)
acetaminophen (Tylenol)
Avoid OTC migraine medicines containing caffeine because caffeine can contribute to dehydration. As usual, make certain to check with your primary care physician prior to beginning any new prescriptions, even OTC medications. Take these prescriptions as guided with food or water to stay away from an upset stomach.
Cold Compress
At the point when your head is pounding heavily, ice is your companion. A gel ice pack is, by and large, the most agreeable choice. You can generally purchase these ice packs with a cover that lashes around your brow. You can likewise effectively make your own.
Many individuals find that crushed ice in cubes or squares makes for a homemade ice pack that lies better on their temple. Put the ice in a plastic pack, put it on your head, and rests somewhere dim and calm. You can likewise take a stab at utilizing a washcloth that you've soaked in water and set in a tad.
When To See A Doctor for a Dehydration Headache
You should seek professional help immediately when you are starting to experience these things as listed below:
Headache pain doesn't improve
In the event that you still have headaches even after replenishing yourself by drinking water, resting, and taking over-the-counter pain meds, call your medical services provider. Most drying-out migraines get better following a couple of long stretches of water and rest.
Pain returns or is severe:
Call your medical care supplier, assuming your headache pain returns. Persistent (repeating) migraines and extreme pain might indicate a serious medical issue.
You have a few other side effects or symptoms
Vision problems, unsteadiness, sickness, and vomiting can be indications of a difficult condition. See your medical care provider assuming you have these side effects alongside migraine torment that doesn't disappear.
You have indications of extreme dehydration
Drying out can likewise prompt serious medical issues. Assuming you or your kid has indications of lack of hydration, see your medical care provider immediately.
Water Deprivation Headache: A Conclusion
Dehydration headaches can go from somewhat irritating to seriously excruciating. In any case, they typically disappear subsequent to drinking water and loosening up in a cool spot. To forestall a dehydration headache, simply hydrate over the course of the day and increment the sum you drink when you work out. Continuously pause and hydrate, assuming that you feel the side effects of drying out. On the off chance that your migraine doesn't disappear with water and rest, call your medical care supplier. Move help immediately on the off chance that you have an extreme migraine or when you return.
In light of that, to ensure proper hydration at all times, you may invest in a good and reliable water filter such as The Berkey Water Filter so you won't only prevent dehydration, but you can also be safe from water-related diseases brought upon by unfiltered and contaminated water intake.
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