Are you getting a headache from not enough water in your body? Let's talk about this dehydration headache!

Do you sometimes get a headache? You haven't worked out too hard or been out in the sun, but your head feels heavy and you feel a little lifeless. The reason for this could be much simpler than you think. It's a lack of water in the body, or as we medically call it, dehydration. Today we're going to talk about headaches caused by this dehydration.

What does this dehydration headache really feel like?

These headaches can be experienced differently by each person. While some people experience a very mild pain , others may experience an unbearable headache . The pain may be spread throughout the head, or it may be limited to one side of the head, the back, or the front of the head.

Most of the time, it feels like a dull ache with a heavy feeling. But sometimes it can feel like a sharp pain, like a needle stabbing. Some people feel like their head is throbbing/pounding, while others may have a constant pain. If this pain feels worse when you bend forward, shake your head, or walk around , it could be a sign of a dehydration headache.

In addition to headaches, look for other symptoms of dehydration, such as:

• Appetite
• Dry mouth and lips
• Urine that is darker than normal (dark yellow color)
• Decreased frequency of urination
• Constant tiredness and fatigue
• Feeling very thirsty (but sometimes, you may not feel thirsty even though you are very dehydrated)
• Muscle cramps

Why does dehydration cause headaches? A very surprising reason!

This is very simple. Think of your brain as a sponge. When there is water, it is well filled and expanded. When there is no water, that is, when we are dehydrated, like this sponge, the tissues of the body, including our brain , contract/shrink .

When the brain shrinks a little, it moves away from the skull by about a millimeter. Then the sensory nerves around it are stretched and compressed, which is why we feel this pain. Strange, isn't it? But don't worry. When you drink enough water and fluids again, the brain will return to normal and this pain will go away.

Is this something simple? Or could it be serious?

Usually, a dehydration headache is something that gets better with a little water and rest. However, if you are constantly dehydrated, it can lead to other complications.

• Migraine: If you suffer from migraines, dehydration can make them worse or more frequent.
• Heat-related illnesses: Dehydration can reduce the ability to withstand extreme heat, leading to dangerous conditions like heat stroke.
• Chronic dehydration: If you are constantly dehydrated, it can lead to serious health problems like kidney stones and urinary tract infections (UTIs) .

How do I know for sure if I have a dehydration headache?

Since there are so many types of headaches, it can sometimes be a little difficult to identify them. But there are some signs that can help you figure out if you have a dehydration headache. Let's look at this table to understand this more clearly.

If these things don't help, be sure to see your doctor . That way, you can find the exact cause and get the necessary treatment. Usually, no special tests are needed for this type of headache, but your doctor may order an MRI or CT scan if he suspects a more serious condition.

What to do if you get a dehydration headache? Things you can do at home

In most cases, these headaches can be cured within a few hours with simple home treatments.

1. Drink fluids: This is the most important thing to do. You need to rehydrate your body as soon as possible. But don't drink liters of water at once. Doing so can make you vomit. Drink water slowly, sip by sip . If you feel uncomfortable, you can suck on an ice cube. It is also good to drink a liquid like Jeevani or a low-sugar sports drink to restore electrolytes lost from the body with sweat. But stay away from things like coffee, tea, and energy drinks that contain caffeine . These can further dehydrate the body.

2. Rest: Give your body time to recover. Stop what you are doing and rest. If you have been in the sun or in a hot place, move to a cool, shaded area.

3. Pain relievers: You can take a pain reliever like paracetamol. But be careful as some headache medications may contain caffeine.

4. Cold compress: Place an ice pack or a cloth soaked in cold water on your forehead. This will help relieve the pain. If you are using an ice pack, do not place it directly on the skin, but wrap it in a thin towel.

How can I prevent this headache from coming back?

The best thing to do is to prevent this from happening before it happens. There's only one thing you can do for that - stay well hydrated throughout the day .

• Pay attention to your urine: It may seem a little strange, but the easiest way to tell if you're dehydrated is to look at the color of your urine. If your urine is clear , straw-colored, or light yellow, that's fine. But if it's darker , that means you're dehydrated. Drink some water right away.
• Drink water throughout the day: Carry a bottle of water with you when you leave the house. Drink small amounts throughout the day. It is generally good to drink 6-8 glasses of water (about 1.5 - 2 liters) per day .
• Be careful when exercising: When you exercise and do things that make you sweat, your body loses a lot of fluid. So drink some water regularly. You may not feel like you're sweating during a sport like swimming, but fluid is still being lost from your body. So you should drink water at times like that too.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine: Alcohol and caffeine are diuretics. This means that when you drink them, your body produces more urine. This can lead to increased dehydration.
• Be careful of the heat: If you work outside in hot weather, drink more water than usual. Take regular breaks.

When should we see a doctor? What are the times to go to the ETU?

Usually, these headaches subside after drinking water and resting. However, in cases like the ones below, you should definitely see a doctor.

• If the headache doesn't go away after drinking water and resting for a few hours,
• If the headache recurs.
• If you cannot control it with home treatments.

If you or someone else has the following symptoms of severe dehydration along with a headache, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately . These could be signs of a serious condition.