Discover the best ways to beat that hot weather migraine…
Most of us look forward to sunny, warm days, but for some, headaches can spoil the fun. Heat induced headaches are experienced by a significant number of us, with roughly 20 percent of women and 10 percent of men suffering from the unpleasant condition.
But what actually causes heat-induced migraines – and is there anything that can be done to address them?
Hot weather headaches can be triggered for a number of reasons, from changes in weather pressure, to dehydration and hot, humid conditions. If you regularly struggle with heat headaches, read on to discover the top 3 reasons why you might be suffering – and check out our solutions, so you can tackle this painful problem.
Changes in weather pressure
What causes it?
Shifts in weather pressure can be a big trigger for migraines, as this affects the sinuses. This is because of the change in the amount of force that’s applied to your body from the air. It’s a bit like when your ears pop when you’re flying, and it’s particularly common whenever it’s hot and rainy, or humid.
Symptoms may include:
- Light sensitivity
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the temples
- Facial or neck numbness
The solution?
Depending on how severe your pressure headaches are, you may find over the counter medications provide some relief. If you’re experiencing more serious headaches though, you should consult your doctor, who will check to ensure your pain isn’t caused by something else. They’ll also be able to prescribe you stronger, prescription only medication, as well as anti-nausea drugs, if this symptom is an issue.
Some people find Botox injections can help prevent pressure headaches, but before you consider going down this route, seek the advice of a medical professional.
Heat-induced Migraines
What causes it?
Heat can be a catalyst for headaches all by itself, due to the sun’s glare, bright light, or high temperature and humidity. Warmer weather can also cause changes in your serotonin levels, and because of this, you may experience similar symptoms to a hormonal headache. It’s crucial to remember that heat-induced headaches can be a symptom of heat exhaustion, a serious condition that can lead to heat stroke.
Symptoms may include
- Tight or crampy muscles
- Unquenchable thirst
- Nausea or fainting
- Dizziness
The solution
Cold drinks, cold compresses, and peppermint or lavender essential oils help bring down your temperature and ease a heat-induced headache or migraine. You can also try placing your feet in a cold foot bath, which will soothe you if you’re burning up. Make sure you stay hydrated too, as dehydration can lead to a worsening of your condition.
Dehydration Headaches
What causes it?
In warmer weather, we sweat more, so it’s important to drink plenty of water to replace the extra lost fluids. When we sweat, we lose both water and salt, which can cause a host of unpleasant and uncomfortable symptoms, like muscle cramping, and vomiting or diarrhoea.
If you don’t drink enough water when it’s roasting outside, you could trigger an uncomfortable migraine. You could even end up hospitalised, as chronic dehydration can worsen heat exhaustion, which is a well-known cause of heat stroke.
Symptoms
- Dark coloured urine
- Muscle cramping
- Fatigue
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea
- Fainting and dizziness
The solution
When the mercury rises, you need to increase the amount you drink, because you’ll be sweating more, and losing the essential salts and fluids that help balance your body. Water and drinks that replace lost electrolytes help to remedy heat-induced dehydration, but it’s also critical to stay cool by wearing breathable clothing.
Poorly fitting clothes prevent our bodies from sweating properly, and worsen heat-induced headaches. Too-tight layers also cause chaffing, as your clothes rub against your skin, leaving you with soreness and abrasions.
Chaffree’s line of breathable underwear including socks, men’s boxers, womens anti chafing shorts and briefs are perfect for those balmy summer days, and have been designed to combat chafing and perspiration – two issues that worsen whenever it’s hot.
As they’re made from sweat wicking, Coolmax® fabric, they’ll keep you dry and fresh all day – so you can make the most of the warmer weather without leaving sweat marks all over your clothes.
To summarise, to help reduce the number of headaches you are having in the hot summer months, you need to…
- Drink more – Stay hydrated.
- Keep out of the sun – don’t spend more than a few hours a day in the direct sunlight. Wear sunglasses on and a sun hat.
- Eat little and often. This will help keep your body’s essential salts and fluids levels up.
- Wear loose breathable clothing to help keep you cool and let your body sweat naturally.