Headache — what does modern medicine recommend?
CrimeaPRESS reports:
Headache — a common condition that can be caused by various reasons. In this article, we look at the main causes of headaches, their symptoms, possible diets, and medications to treat them. The main symptom of headache is pain, which can be of varying severity and duration. In addition, headache may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia, tinnitus, dizziness, loss of appetite, etc.
Causes of a headache
Headache can be caused by various factors, such as muscle tension, migraine, sinusitis, influenza, etc. Muscle tension is usually manifested by heaviness or pressure in the forehead and temples, migraine is a sharp, sharp pain in one or both halves of the head, accompanied by nausea, vomiting and photophobia, sinusitis is pain in the forehead and around the nose, and the flu is headache and muscle pain in the body.
Headache is a common symptom that can occur for many reasons. Here are some of them:
Tension and stress. This is the most common cause of headaches, which can occur as a result of prolonged work at the computer, sitting in the wrong position, fatigue or stress. Such pain is usually of low intensity and is described as a painful, pressing, dull pain that spreads to the entire head.
Migraine. Migraine is a chronic disease that manifests itself in the form of recurrent headaches that can last from several hours to several days. Such pains are often of high intensity and are accompanied by nausea, vomiting, photophobia and sound phobia.
cluster headaches. Cluster headaches are a rare disorder that presents as recurrent pain on one side of the head, usually around the eye. Such pains are of very high intensity and can last from 15 minutes to several hours. They are often accompanied by a feeling of nervousness, sweating and redness of the eye.
Headaches caused by diseases. Certain illnesses, such as infections, tumors, head injuries, and others, can cause headaches. Such pains can have different intensity and manifest themselves in different forms, depending on the cause of the disease.
The intensity of the headache can be described on a scale of 1 to 10, where 1 is mild pain and 10 is very severe. For example, tension headaches typically have an intensity of 1 to 5, while migraine and cluster headaches can have an intensity of 6 to 10.
In any case, if the headache does not go away or gets worse, it is necessary to contact your doctor, who will diagnose and determine the cause of the pain. Depending on the cause of the headache, the doctor may recommend various treatments such as exercise, diet, medication, and others.
Some other causes of headaches may include changes in circulation, such as high or low blood pressure. There may also be pain in the head with various infections, influenza, viral diseases, fungal diseases, inflammatory processes. Headaches can also cause hormonal changes in women, including during menstruation.
Some people may also experience headaches as a result of eating certain foods such as alcohol, monosodium glutamate, tyranine, aspartame, etc. In such cases, you should avoid eating these foods and monitor your diet.
In general, the treatment of a headache depends on the cause of the headache. Some recommendations include drinking enough water, reducing stress, and eliminating factors that can cause headaches. Medications, such as analgesics, may be used to reduce pain symptoms, including migraines. However, it should be remembered that the use of drugs should be carried out only as prescribed by a doctor and in accordance with the recommendations of the instructions for use.
Headache — recommendations for treatment
Headaches can be treated with medications, such as analgesics and anti-migraine medications, that relieve pain and associated symptoms. In addition, for the prevention of headaches, it is recommended to lead a healthy lifestyle, observe the daily routine, avoid stressful situations and physical overload. Headache treatment can vary depending on its cause.
When you have a headache, there are a number of recommendations that will help you cope with this condition. The following are the main recommendations for the treatment of headaches:
Relax. If the headache is caused by stress or fatigue, rest can help relieve tension and reduce pain. Try lying down and relaxing for a few minutes, close your eyes, listen to music, or just practice silence.
Massage. Massage can help relieve muscle tension in the head and neck that can cause headaches. Ask a loved one to massage your head, neck and shoulder girdle, or visit a massage therapist.
cold and warm. The use of cold and heat can also help relieve pain. Try applying a cold compress to the back of your head or forehead, or taking a warm bath to relax your muscles. If the headache is caused by vasodilation or inflammation, applying cold or heat may help relieve the pain. Cold can constrict blood vessels and reduce inflammation, while heat can relax muscles and improve blood flow.
Drink enough liquid. Getting enough fluids can help reduce the risk of dehydration, which can lead to headaches. Try drinking a glass of water or natural juice.
Regulate your diet. Certain types of food can cause headaches in some people. Try to avoid foods that can trigger a headache, such as chocolate, nuts, alcohol, red wine, citrus fruits, and savory foods.
Avoid excessive physical activity. It can cause muscle tension, which can lead to headaches. Try to avoid excessive physical activity, especially if you often suffer from headaches.
Medications. If the headache persists, over-the-counter medications such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and paracetamol can be tried. However, do not overuse these drugs, as they can have side effects if taken in large amounts or too often. In addition, if the headache becomes more frequent or intense, you should see a doctor to determine the cause of the pain and get more appropriate treatment.
Acupuncture. Acupuncture can help improve circulation, relax muscles, and relieve stress, which can reduce headaches.
Physical therapy[. If the headache is caused by muscle tension or spinal problems, physical therapy can help relieve the pain and strengthen the muscles.
Avoid stress. Stress can be one of the causes of headaches. Try to avoid situations that can cause stress and learn to manage your emotions and reactions to stressful situations.
sleep enough. Insufficient sleep can be the cause of headaches. Try to get enough sleep so that your body has time to recover and relax.
Change your lifestyle. If you often suffer from headaches, you may need to change your lifestyle. Try to lead a healthy lifestyle, including exercising regularly, watching your diet, and avoiding stressful situations. It is important to understand that every person is different and what works for one person may not help another.
Diets to treat headaches
There are some foods that can cause headaches in some people, such as chocolate, alcohol, coffee, cheeses, etc. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid such foods in order to treat headaches, as well as increase the intake of water and vegetables. Diet can play an important role in headache management, especially if the pain is caused by certain foods or nutritional deficiencies. Here are some diets that can help manage headaches:
Diet low in tyramine: Tyramine is an amino acid that can cause headaches in some people. Foods containing high amounts of tyramine include red wine, cheeses, chocolate, cold cuts, smoked meats, and many others. To reduce the level of tyramine in the diet, it is recommended to eat fresh foods and limit the intake of foods containing high levels of tyramine.
gluten free diet: People with celiac disease and some other diseases may experience headaches. To make sure it is not related to gluten consumption, it is recommended that you follow a gluten-free diet. This means avoiding wheat, rye, and barley, as well as all foods that contain these grains.
Diet low in sugar: Some people may experience headaches due to spikes in blood sugar levels. It is recommended to reduce the intake of fast carbohydrates and sugar, as well as increase the intake of proteins and healthy fats. Good sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and nuts. Healthy fats can be obtained from fish, nuts, avocados, olive oil, and more.
Diet Mediterranean: A diet based on the eating habits of the Mediterranean countries can help reduce the risk of headaches. The Mediterranean diet includes many fruits, vegetables, fish, olive oil, nuts and grains. This diet also reduces the consumption of meat and foods high in animal fats, alcohol and sugar.
A diet that eliminates trigger foods: Some people may have individual trigger foods that cause headaches. To identify your own triggers, you can keep a food diary and write down all the foods you eat. If a headache occurs after eating a certain food, it should be excluded from the diet. It is important to understand that diet can help treat headaches, but is not a one-size-fits-all solution.
Headache — drugs
Analgesics such as aspirin, paracetamol, ibuprofen, and some other drugs may be used to treat headaches. These medicines can relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Migraine medications, such as triptans, can also be used to treat migraines, which constrict blood vessels and reduce pain symptoms. There are many medications that can help manage headaches. Some of the most common drugs and their effects are listed below:
Acetaminophen. This is a medicine that can help relieve mild to moderate headaches. It acts on the central nervous system to reduce sensitivity to pain. Acetaminophen may also be useful for treating pain in other parts of the body, such as muscles and joints.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). This group includes drugs such as ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketorolac and others. They can also help relieve mild to moderate headaches. NSAIDs act on inflammation, reducing it and thereby reducing pain.
Aspirin. Aspirin has an analgesic effect and can help reduce headaches, especially if they are caused by inflammation. However, its use may be associated with some risks, such as bleeding, so you should consult your doctor before using it.
Triptans. These are medications that can help manage migraine headaches. They act to constrict the blood vessels that can cause a migraine aura, as well as to decrease pain sensitivity in the brain. Triptans should be taken at the first sign of a migraine so they can work most effectively.
Preventive drugs. If you have frequent headaches, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent headaches. These may include drugs that reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, such as beta-blockers or antidepressants.
It is important to understand that all medications have side effects and risks, so they should only be taken as directed by your doctor and strictly follow the recommendations for dosage and use.
In addition, you should pay attention to the fact that some drugs may interact with other drugs or have contraindications for certain diseases. Therefore, before you start taking medications, you should consult your doctor and tell him about all the diseases that you suffer from and all the medicines that you take.
In any case, before starting the treatment of a headache, it is necessary to consult a doctor and choose the most appropriate method of treatment, based on the cause of the pain and the individual characteristics of the patient. Some medications may have side effects and contraindications.
In custodyHeadache is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors. To treat it, you can use medicines, adjust the diet and lead a healthy lifestyle. However, for an accurate diagnosis and treatment of headache, you need to see a doctor.
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