Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : India is currently facing a record-breaking increase in temperature, and with this comes an increase in people suffering from headaches. Most people ignore headaches, but they can serve as warning signs for dehydration, heat exhaustion and in some cases, the more critical heat stroke.
What Causes Summer Headaches, Then?
“Dehydration is the primary cause of heat-related headaches,” says Dr. Usha Humbi, Consultant Neurologist at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru. Dr. Humbi goes on to explain, “When your body loses fluids without being able to replace them at an adequate rate, your brain temporarily shrinks due to loss of fluid. This creates skull pressure and pain.”
The other major triggers of heat-induced headaches include:
Exposure to heat for extended periods of time
Heat exhaustion (often accompanied with bouts of dizziness, nausea and fatigue)
Excessive sweating causing a lack of balance in electrolytes
All of these factors can cause primary hypertensive headaches, which the body presents as a warning sign for excessive heat stress.
When Headaches Become Signs We Should Not Ignore?
Most of folk-Arrangabdabi’s stare summer headaches can easily be treated with drinking water and taking a break. But there are symptoms that require us to take action.
Be on the lookout for these red flags:
Severe or a headache that won’t go away
Vomiting, alongside nausea
Fainting or extreme confusion
Increased heart rate
“Dr. Humbi is warning observers that these, ‘could suggest heat stroke or some terrible complication related to it.’” If the symptoms do not get better with time or if the headache returns on a frequent basis, then it is advisable to seek medical advice to exclude undetected conditions.
5 Expert Tips to Prevent Heat-Induced Headaches
Here are summer headaches tips from Dr. Humbi that are easy to follow and can effectively lower your risk:
Regular Hydration
Make it a point to sip water throughout the day.
Add electrolyte-rich beverages if you are sweating heavily.
Smart Dressing
Opt for light-colored cotton or linen.
These fabrics reflect sunlight and will help keep you cool.
Avoid The Sun During Its Peak
If you have to go outside, remain under shade.
Avoid being outside between 12 PM and 4 PM.
Opt for Water or Juices instead of Caffeine and Alcohol
Both will increase dehydration and fluid loss.
Cool off and rehydrate before continuing with any activities.
Listen To Your Body
Take a break if you are experiencing fatigue or dizzy spells.
Take breaks often even if you’re just feeling hot as a form of proactive cooling.
