There are many different types of headaches. Some of the most commonly experienced by athletes, fitness buffs or those who live in areas of the planet where the climate is hot are called dehydration headaches. Below you will come across some of the most important things about them such as their causes and symptoms, as well as how to keep them at bay. So keep on reading if you believe your frequent bout of headaches is due to dehydration.

By the way, don’t forget to later on share this article on your various social media sites to get everyone you care about also introduced to dehydration headaches.

Causes

Just like what they are called suggests, dehydration headaches happen when the body isn’t getting enough of the water that it needs. Your body constantly loses water in the form of sweat or pee. Vomiting and diarrhea can also cause you to lose more water than necessary. The amount of water you lose should be replaced by drinking water.

The reason why headaches strike when you are dehydrated is this: the brain actually shrinks. According to health authorities, about 75 percent of your brain is water.

However, just because you are dehydrated doesn’t necessarily mean that you will experience dehydration headaches. Most of the time, a person has to be severely dehydrated before those dehydration headaches strike. However, there are individuals who tend to experience dehydration headaches even if they’re just mildly dehydrated.

You are at higher risk of suffering from dehydration headaches if you are into sports or fitness. The same is true if you live where the climate is hot or in higher altitudes. Having certain medical conditions such as kidney disease and diabetes are regarded as risk factors, too. Those who experience vomiting and diarrhea also tend to lose more water than they should. By the way, certain medications can also cause dehydration.

Do you love drinking a lot of coffee or alcohol? You may be at higher risk of encountering dehydration headaches as these beverages have diuretic properties, which means they drive water out of your body.

Symptoms

Dehydration headaches tend to affect various parts of the head. The pain can range anywhere from mild to severe such as the kind you get when you have a migraine attack or nasty case of hangover. It is rare for dehydration headaches to affect only the face like in the case of sinus headaches or the back of the head such as in the case of tension headaches.

Most of the time, dehydration headaches are accompanied by the classic signs and symptoms of dehydration, and they include increased thirst, mouth dryness, dizziness and fatigue. Low blood pressure, increased heart rate, decreased urination and dark-colored pee are others.

Severe cases of dehydration can come with signs and symptoms such as lack of sweating, sunken eyes, shriveled skin, fever, confusion and even unconsciousness.

According to health authorities, dehydration headaches due severe dehydration cannot be treated at home. Rather, it is something that is considered as a medical emergency. Someone who is severely dehydrated requires treatment ASAP before serious complications like seizures, shock and kidney damage strike. Severe dehydration is managed at the hospital by means of salt replacement and intravenous fluid.

Prevention

In order to keep dehydration headaches at bay, it’s important that you avoid being dehydrated which is their primary cause. Aside from drinking about 2 liters of water per day, it is also a good idea for you to obtain water from fluid-rich foods such as fruits, vegetables and soups.

Especially if you are into sports of fitness, make sure that you replace those lost fluids with water or sports drinks. The same is true if you live in places that are hot or elevated.

Steer clear of coffee and alcohol as they have diuretic properties. If you have a medical condition that causes diarrhea, and vomiting, make sure that it’s treated accordingly. Talk with your doctor if the medication you are taking causes you to pee or sweat a lot.