Headaches are among the most common health complaints and can sometimes indicate a health problem, but that's only in rare cases.
Types of headaches:
There are many types of headaches but there are three common types:
- Tension headache:
- Affects both genders;
- Gradually leads to pain, strain or pressure in the neck, forehead or scalp.
- Migraine:
- Causes moderate or severe pain, often in the form of a pulse;
- Affects three times as many females as males;
- May begin in adolescence and sometimes after the age of forty;
- May be preceded by a change in vision or painful tingling on one side of the face or body;
- Often associated with nausea and sensitivity to light and noise.
- Cluster headache:
- Causes constant and irritating pain in and around one eye and occurs sequentially at the same time from day or night;
- Causes redness of the eyes and colds on one side of the face;
- Sometimes occurs regularly and is associated with light or seasonal changes;
- Men, especially smokers, are often affected;
- Usually lasts between 15 minutes to 3 hours.
Treatment:
Often painkillers are used as they provide effective results. If the pain did not stop for more than two days, the patient must consult a doctor for tests, as this headache may be a symptom of a particular disease, especially if the headache was accompanied by:
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
Headache triggers:
To avoid headaches, you should stay away from certain triggers, which differ among people:
- Smoking
- Hypertension
- Stress and fatigue
- Change in sleep patterns and meal times
- Hormonal changes in women during the menstrual cycle or after menopause
- Strong lighting
- Some concentrated scents
- Closed, poorly ventilated places
- Noise
Remember: Some medications may cause headaches as a side effect (e.g. contraceptive pills.)
