Aug 12, 2008 1:46 pm US/Eastern
Help Prevent Those Painful Summer Headaches
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Whitney Lewis can't predict the weather, but it doesn't take much for her to know when the dog days of summer arrive. "I've always had headaches. During the rest of the year, it's OK, not great, but I can tell when summer is coming back around with the heat and humidity."
For hot weather headache sufferers like Whitney, the intensity and pain she feels on a sunny day can make doing simple activities downright unbearable. "Sometimes it will just be an absolute pounding headache, otherwise it's just like a dulling pain."
Experts say the severity and frequency of headaches can increase during warm, humid months.
Weather changes, so barometric pressure changes. We're getting lots of storms, so the heat, the humidity and then the rain that follows it are triggers of headaches," said Dr. Larry Newman, director of the Headache Institute at Roosevelt Hospital in New York.
For everyone, but especially those who suffer from chronic headaches or migraines, a recent survey by the National Headache Foundation found 75 percent of those questioned reported being unable to participate in outdoor activities due to headaches caused by changes in altitude, weather or wind and stormy weather.
"Some of the summertime triggers can include things such as bright flickering sunlight, odors and perfumes from sunscreen, and dietary triggers," said Suzanne Simons, executive director of the National Headache Foundation.
Including nitrates found in some BBQ favorites. Tannins found alcoholic beverages and caffeine can give you headaches, if you overdo all those icy drinks.
Also, dehydration can really deliver a knock out punch. "If you're suffering from dehydration, it's important to make sure that you drink plenty of fluids. Sports drinks are rich in minerals and vitamins and those can help to re-hydrate you."
Since it gets darker later in the summer, people tend to get off their meal and sleep schedules, which can also trigger headaches, so it's important to stay on track. And, if you take medications, keep them in a cool, dry place since high temperatures can impact their effectiveness.
Experts say even though it's difficult to prevent seasonal headaches, you can decrease the frequency and severity.
Wearing a hat, limiting alcohol and avoiding foods, which can trigger attacks, may also help.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
