Headaches are a common cause of pain for many people. Headaches are also a common reason for visits to the doctor and days missed from work or school.
A heat headache is a type of headache that happens when there is an increase in temperature in your body or environment. This can be due to hot weather or where your body temperature rises from activities like exercise.
Why can heat cause a headache?
According to the National Headache Foundation, more than 42 million Americans live with migraine or a headache disorder. When heat is the cause, it can be for several reasons. Let’s take a look at some of these.
1. Dehydration
A heat headache is often connected to dehydration, where your body doesn’t have enough water. Dehydration may make it more difficult for your body to control its internal temperature. When your body overheats, it can affect the blood vessels in the neck and head, causing the feeling of pressure and pain.
Early signs of dehydration can include dry mouth, a change in the skin’s elasticity, and less urination that can appear darker in color and more concentrated.
2. Heat stroke or heat exhaustion
Heat stroke is a serious condition when the body can no longer control its temperature. Heat exhaustion is a condition caused when the body loses lots of salt (sodium) and water. It is more likely to affect people with high blood pressure (hypertension), older adults, and those working in hot environments. Both heat stroke and heat exhaustion can cause headaches along with other symptoms.
3. Other triggers
Several other triggers may cause a heat headache. The American Migraine Foundation suggests that in warmer weather, other headache or migraine triggers can include:
- too much time in the sun
- the fragrance in sunscreen, insect repellent, and other summer products
- loss of routine from not eating regular meals or having a regular sleeping pattern
- medications becoming less effective from heat exposure
- exercising in hot weather
- excessive alcohol or caffeine consumption while in the sun
Symptoms of a heat headache
The symptoms of a heat headache will depend on its cause. You may also notice some additional symptoms along with your headache.
- Dehydration: Dehydration can cause thirst, less frequent urination, dark yellow urine, dizziness, tiredness, dry mouth and lips, and sunken eyes.
- Heat exhaustion: As well as a headache, heat exhaustion can cause nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, thirst, heavy sweating, and less frequent urination.
- Heat stroke: Heat stroke can cause headaches, confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures, very high body temperature, and heavy sweating.
- Migraine: If you are experiencing a migraine episode, you may also notice increased light, noise, and smell sensitivity, nausea, or vomiting.
Prevention
The United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS) suggests that you can avoid headaches associated with heat stroke or heat exhaustion by:
- drinking cold drinks
- avoiding too much sun exposure
- reducing alcohol consumption
- avoiding extreme exercise
- wearing cool and light-colored clothing
Treatment
If you are experiencing a heat headache, some over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen, may help with your symptoms. You should speak with a doctor or healthcare professional before taking any other medication for your headache.
You can also take some of these self-care steps if you are experiencing a heat headache:
- drink plenty of water
- try to relax and manage any stress
- avoid alcohol
- avoid eyestrain, such as from looking at screens
- eat regular meals
- try not to sleep more than usual
In the case of heat exhaustion, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that it may also help to:
- take a cool bath
- dampen clothing with water
- move to a cool location
You can also use a cold compress or ice pack placed on the neck, armpit, or groin to cool internal body temperatures.
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Get free cardCan daith piercings help?
A daith piercing is a piercing in the inner fold of cartilage at the entrance of the ear canal. No clear evidence suggests that a daith piercing can help with a heat headache or any other type of headache.
Anecdotal evidence suggests daith piercings work in a way similar to acupuncture in stimulating pressure points and relieving pain. But, at the moment, there is no good evidence to show that this is true. Piercings can also carry certain risks, such as infection and allergic reactions.
When to see a doctor
If you believe you are experiencing heat stroke, seek immediate medical help and treatment. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
You should speak to a doctor if you are experiencing regular headaches. They can help determine the cause of your headaches and build a plan to manage your symptoms. You should also see a doctor if you are experiencing any additional symptoms, such as nausea or confusion.
Summary
A heat headache is caused by an increase in temperature in your body or environment. There can be several causes of a heat headache, including dehydration, heat exhaustion, and routine changes caused by hot weather. In most cases, a heat headache will pass on its own with some self-care strategies.
If you are experiencing regular headaches, speaking with a doctor or healthcare professional is important. They can help determine the cause of your headaches and suggest a treatment plan.
If you notice any other symptoms of heat stroke along with a headache, such as nausea, confusion, or dizziness, it is important to seek immediate medical help.
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