Headaches can be incredibly frustrating, can’t they? When your head hurts, it can feel like it is impossible to concentrate, meaning you are unable to get anything done. You try to rest, but you can’t seem to doze off to sleep because the pain you are experiencing gets in the way. Does this sound familiar? Well, if you have a headache, one of the most effective ways to treat it is by getting to the source of the headache. What is actually causing the pain? Read on to discover more about some of the most common causes of headaches, and how to take an eco-friendly approach to treatment.
Understanding the two different types of headaches
There are two types of headaches: tension headaches and migraine headaches. Let’s deal with the former first, as tension headaches are the most common of the two. While their exact cause is actually not known, experts believe that muscle contraction is to blame. When the muscles that cover the skull are stressed, pain can take place because these muscles become inflamed and go into a spasm. Physical stress and emotional stress are largely attributed to these headaches. Examples of physical stress include sitting at your computer for too long without any breaks, as well as prolonged and difficult manual labor.
The second type of headache is the migraine headache. This is caused when the structures that surround the brain are irritated or inflamed. The brain itself does not have any pain in nerve fibers. However, these fibers are found in the face, skull, and neck, so any irritation here can result in a headache. You may also suffer from this type of headache if you are suffering from a systemic illness, for example, dehydration or an infection. Other causes include trauma, as well as changes in blood flow and circulation. Brain chemistry changes can also be to blame – this includes headaches that are linked with drug withdrawal, drug abuse, and reactions to medication. It could also be due to a serious illness, such as Hodgkin lymphoma or thyroid cancer.
See a doctor if your headache gets worst
No matter what type of headache you are suffering from, if the pain persists, it is better to get it checked out by a doctor. If you take a trip to the doctor, you will be able to see a professional that will be able to perform tests and discover more about your symptoms so they can get to the root of the issue. After all, some headaches occur because of another illness or injury you are suffering from. Your doctor will be able to enlighten you as to whether this is the case.
If you are able to treat the headache yourself, look for plastic-free zero-waste medication. Aside from this, drinking water should help. Using a cold pack or heat treatment are also good for managing your condition without increasing your environmental impact.
Professional ENT doctors can provide treatment
There are many different reasons why people experience headaches. After all, there is no denying that headaches are one of the most common ailments that people have to put up with today. Luckily, the vast majority of headaches are going to come and go without you needing to see a doctor. However, this is not always the case. If you are someone who has symptoms linked with sinus headaches or you seem to experience migraines on a regular basis, you may need to see an ENT doctor. For those who are unaware, ENT simply stands for ear, nose, and throat.
What sort of treatment will you need?
If you are someone who suffers from headaches on a frequent basis, and you think you need to see an ENT doctor, there are a number of different treatment options that may be considered. This is also the case if you are someone who is a sufferer of chronic sinusitis. It is recommended to see an ENT specialist because this sort of expert has a lot of experience when it comes to conditions like this. However, the treatment that is provided will, of course, depend on the nature of the condition you are experiencing.
Sinus headache treatment
Let’s start by taking a look at sinus headaches, for instance. This happens when the sinuses are swollen and have become blocked. A lot of people tend to experience facial pain because of this. Sinusitis is also known to contribute to headaches too. There are a lot of various self-help techniques that can be utilized from the comfort of your own home in order to try and reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. However, cases of a severe nature needed to be treated by someone specializing in ENT. More intensive treatments can often be needed if your headaches do not improve through taking over-the-counter medication and using hot and cold compresses to ease swelling does not work.
Your symptoms will be assessed
When you go to see a doctor who specializes in ENT, he or she is going to enquire about your symptoms. It is also not uncommon for them to ask for you to have a CT scan. This is important because it gives them the ability to assess your sinuses closely, as well as the nasal passages, determining how severe your blockages are. In most cases, decongestants and antibiotics will be enough to ameliorate the situation. However, if you find that this does not work and your symptoms are not getting better, it may be that surgery is going to be the only option for you. This will usually involve endoscopic techniques.
All in all, there is no denying that headaches are common and that a lot of people experience them. This is especially the case if you are dehydrated, tired, or under the weather. However, if you have further symptoms and these headaches do not seem to be going away, seeing an ENT specialist get to the bottom of the problem is highly recommended.
Final words on headaches
Hopefully, you now have a better understanding of the different types of headaches and what causes them. If your headache persists and/or the pain is unbearable, make sure you book yourself an appointment with a doctor or head to an emergency center. After all, it is better to be safe than sorry.
No comments yet.