Many people suffer from afternoon headaches. The causes are very different, as are the symptoms. Numerous studies are carried out every year and the most common causes of headaches can be listed based on the test results. We offer you an overview of the top 5 reasons why we often suffer from headaches, especially in the afternoon.
Lack of fluids can trigger afternoon headaches
The American Headache Research Institute has listed dehydration as a trigger for headaches. Who doesn't in the morningdrinks enough water, who has to deal with the consequences in the afternoon: a headache. Those affected often feel additional symptoms before the headache even occurs. You have a dry mouth and dizziness. Fatigue and nervousness are often side effects.
This is how you can recognize headaches due to a lack of fluids: As soon as the person affected drinks 0.5 liters of water, they disappear within 2 hours.
Prevention: Doctors therefore recommend not drinking more than one cup of coffee in the morning and two liters of water throughout the day.
Tension headaches are caused by tense neck muscles
Tension headaches are difficult to treat. Symptoms can last for several days and often occur several times a week. They are mainly due to incorrect posture, which causes muscle tension in the neck. The tense neck muscles also put pressure on a nerve, which makes the situation even worse for those affected.
Anyone who suffers from tension headaches will quickly notice that their back and neck muscles feel tense. Massage can relieve pain, but for some patients it can also have a negative effect. Stretching exercises, which can effectively relieve tension in the neck, help.
Afternoon headache: Three or more cups of coffee a day can trigger migraine attacks
A recent study from Harvard Medical School looks at the effects of caffeine on patients with migraines. The researchers explain that just three cups of coffee a day can trigger a pain attack. The more caffeinated drinks you drink a day, the higher the likelihood of a severe headache occurring a few hours later.
In people who don't suffer from migraines, sudden caffeine withdrawal can also cause headaches. Doctors therefore recommend gradually reducing the consumption of caffeinated drinks instead of stopping them all at once.
High blood pressure and headaches: An emergency
As a rule, high blood pressure cannot cause headaches. However, if they occur as an accompanying symptom, emergency medical attention must be called immediately. Because a headache can indicate that the blood pressure level is above 180 mm Hg. This is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Since most sufferers experience an increase after lunch, you should never underestimate headaches in the afternoon.
Afternoon headache: allergies
Watery eyes, a runny nose, cough and headache: allergies have very different symptoms. Those affected always suffer from it when they are exposed to the allergen. The trigger for the headache in the afternoon can be a walk after lunch or a colleague's strong perfume in the office.
About the studyHarvard Medical School.
Regarding the recommendations of theAmerican Headache Research Institute.
