During the summer season, many spend a lot of time outdoors and headaches are inevitable. If the headaches are worse during the summer, heat might be the cause. When the weather is warm, it increases the risk for the individual to become dehydrated which can trigger pain as well.
Since the weather is generally nicer and warmer, many are more likely to go outdoors and engage in physical activity. Remember that exercise itself is capable of triggering episodes especially during warm weather.
Heat
Based on a study conducted, the risk for headaches increases every time the temperature increases 9 degrees. It simply means that the heat triggers the expansion of the blood vessels in the skull that compresses the surrounding nerve endings.
Exercise
Once the weather becomes warmer during the summer season, many individuals might be eager to engage in outdoor activities including exercise. The exercise-related headaches typically occur during or after prolonged or rigorous exercise and more likely to occur during warm weather. Certain activities that are typically linked with these headaches include rowing, running, swimming, tennis and weightlifting.
Dehydration
Dehydration can also occur at any climate but more likely during warm or hot weather. Once the body loses water and not properly replenished, it can result to headaches. Always bear in mind that dehydration can also instigate migraines, thus it is vital to drink adequate amounts of fluids.
Take note that both children and adults are required to drink 8-10 glasses of water in a day. Aside from drinking enough water, it is also vital to avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages since these can cause further dehydration.
How to manage the headaches
The treatment usually depends on the exact cause and the type of headache. If the individual experiences a episode after spending long periods under the sun, an over-the-counter pain medication can be used.
If the individual is dehydrated, you have to provide him/her with water. In case dehydration, heat or physical activity triggers a migraine, the doctor might prescribe medications to alleviate the pain and other accompanying symptoms.
When to seek care
Always bear in mind that headaches are quite common and those that occur during the summer season are not a cause for concern and readily managed. There are some cases of headaches though that might require immediate medical attention. The warning signs to watch out for include the following:
- Episodes that first develop over the age of 50 years old
- Unusually intense episodes
- Evident change in the headache pattern
- Headaches that steadily worsen
- Pain that is intensified during movement or coughing
- Changes in personality or mental functioning
- Headache that is accompanied by fever and stiff neck
- Headaches that occur after sustaining a direct blow to the head
- Accompanied by a painful reddened eye
- Accompanied by tenderness or pain close to the temples
- Abrupt onset
- Those that occur if the individual has an impaired immune system or cancer