How To Get Rid Of Headache?

18 December, 2009 No Comment

Most of us have experienced a headache at some point of time in life. It can be mild or severe or even debilitating. Research tells us that more than 45 million individuals in the United States experience headaches each year and women are more susceptible to them than men.

A headache is not considered to be a serious medical ailment and most of us tend to ignore it or resort to over the counter (OTC) medications to get quick relief. But a headache can indicate a serious underlying cause such as stress, mental tension, high blood pressure, the presence of a tumor or heart disease. Thus, it is essential for you to visit your doctor and get a proper diagnosis for your headache today.

Types of headache:

Headaches can be of various types depending on their underlying cause. The most common types of headaches are sinus headaches, stress headaches, hormonal headaches and organic headaches. Once the exact cause of your headache is identified, you can get rid of it by using appropriate remedies.

How to get rid of your headache?

A headache can be quite bothersome, particularly if it interrupts your normal functioning. The following tips can help you get rid of your headache and move on with your daily chores.

Medication:

You can take over the counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen and naproxen to get rid of your headache. But avoid taking an overdose at any cost and do not use these medicines regularly as they may result in rebound headaches or damage the liver or kidneys.

Improve your lifestyle:

Certain lifestyle choices such as smoking, excessive consumption of caffeine, increased stress levels, sleep deprivation and intake of a faulty diet can result in headache. Individuals who are susceptible to getting headaches should avoid consuming beverages such as coffee and cola in excess.

Keep check of your headache:

If you happen to suffer from frequent headaches, it is best to keep a track of their frequency and severity. You should maintain a dairy or journal and pen down the duration, frequency and intensity of each headache.

You must also mention any foods you took on that particular day or any activities that might have triggered the headache. This will help your doctor analyze your condition and diagnose the type of headache you have.

Alternative therapies:

There are several alternative therapies that help get rid of headaches. These include acupressure, biofeedback, acupuncture and aromatherapy. It is recommended to visit an expert who can help treat your condition.