There are Different Types of headaches that have different causes

 

 

Headaches can be tension, sinus, cluster, or migraine.

 

Tension headaches are the most common type. It feels like a tight band on the forehead (non-throbbing) & gets gradually worse over the day. Tension headaches are worse when you are stressed but not aggravated when you move about.

 

Sinus headaches are the one type of morning headache that you can have without being too worried. The other type of headache you can wake with is a Hangover. Other than those two types of headaches if you wake with a headache you must seek medical advice. Sinsus headaches occur because the sinus (cavities in the skull) become filled due to either infection and/or allergy. This congestion leads to pressure and pain. These heacahes are felt across the brow and checks, often you will have a blocked or runny nose as well and they are worse at bending or sneezing.

 

Cluster headaches are sharp "in the eye" pains - often associated with ice cream they need to be checked out if they reoccur.

 

Migraines are the "Daddies of Headaches". They usually occur down one side of the face, come with nausea and an aura (a funny feeling, taste or smell). Migraines pain throbs & last hours.

 

 

 

When should you be worried about a headache?

 

 

Headaches are part of normal life. However, sometimes you should get them checked out to make sure there is nothing sinister going on.

 

You should see your pharmacist or doctor if your headache:

 

  • lasts longer than 24 hours,
  • you wake up with it,
  • it happens after a head injury or
  • it is very severe.
  • If there is any vomiting
  • If the temples (side of the head) are inflamed,
  • if there is a rash or there is a stiff neck 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How you treat a headache depends on the type of headache

 

A tension headache needs a good painkiller (like Nurofen Plus or Paracetamol). To minimise and reduce the occurrence of tension heaches reducing stress and taking a break from screen contact can help. Kool nSoothe forehead packs act instantly, valerian herbal tablets are strong relaxants for ongoing tension headaches, and lavender oil will also help.

 

Sinus headaches need to have the sinus cleared with a decongestant and/or an antihistamine. Zirtek Plus is a strong decongestant that also has an antihistamine. Sudafed or Actifed is good, lower strength,  decongestants. A painkiller such as Nurofen Plus for occasional sinus headaches or Nurofen for reoccurring ones will give instant relief while the decongestants kick in. Sinus rinses can give great relief with sinus headaches.

 

With Migraines the rule is to "Move it Quick". Normally a painkiller can be absorbed from the stomach to the blood in 20 to 30 minutes. In a migraine the  absorption can be reduced to hours. For this reason, take painkillers regularly during the migraine (for a day or so) rather than waiting for painkillers to be needed. If you get an aura (an odd sense, smell or taste before a migraine hits) take your painkillers even before the headache occurs. Migraleve, nurofen or paracetmaol are the drugs of choice for migraine and Motilium can be used alongside them for stomach upset. Cool n Soothe is also of great use to relieve the pressure of a migraine. Often lying in a dark room is the best option for migraines.