Headaches are a condition that all of us have to deal with at some point. There are also several subcategories and types of headaches, each of which can be caused by a number of different factors.
This is something you should pay close attention to. If you notice that your headaches are triggered by changes in the weather, then you may be suffering from barometric pressure headaches. In this case, you will need barometric pressure headache remedies to help you manage this condition.
This article briefly explains what these headaches are. It also discusses the symptoms commonly associated with this type of head pain, as well as the different kinds of barometric pressure headache remedies you can use.
Overview
For those unfamiliar with the term, barometric pressure refers to the air pressure all around us. This pressure can go up or down depending on the weather conditions. Now, did you know, the sinuses are filled with air. Therefore, any changes to the existing pressure levels can sometimes induce discomfort and headaches because of pressure changes. This is primarily due to the difference between the air pressure outside air and the air trapped in your sinuses.
This is not to say that these headaches can only occur due to changes in the weather. It is entirely common for people to experience it during plane rides. As the plane reaches higher altitudes, the pressure in the cabin also changes. This explains the sudden pain or ear popping you experience during flights.
Secondary Symptoms
These types of headaches often feel very similar to migraines or even a regular headache. However, you need to pay close attention to the secondary symptoms as that is where the main difference lies. Listed below are some of the main symptoms that you might experience:
- Pain centered on the temples
- Facial Numbness
- Nausea and vomiting
- Light Sensitivity
Diagnosis
If you feel any of these kinds of symptoms, especially if you do frequently, it’s important to get treatment. Like with anything else, we highly recommend that you seek the help of medical professionals so that they can provide you with their expert advice. For initial visits, most doctors would subject you to a comprehensive headache checkup.
This should help them pinpoint the exact problem you are dealing with. Just keep in mind that you should be open about your medical history and daily lifestyle as this is vital if you wish to get to the root of your condition. This will also help you doctor prescribe more effective barometric pressure headache remedies.
Aside from your personal medical history, they may also ask about your family members. Keep in mind that this is extremely important as chronic migraines and other types of head pain can be passed down through the generations.
Barometric Pressure Headache Remedies
Barometric pressure headache remedies can differ on a case-to-case basis. The treatment approach usually depends on the particularities of the case and the severity of the headaches themselves. Again, this depends on the opinion of your doctors.
For most people, the symptoms are manageable enough for over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Usually, your doctor would prescribe you with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. However, there are also instances wherein you may have to take Excedrin – a drug cocktail primarily composed of acetaminophen, caffeine, and aspirin.
You may even consider barometric pressure headache remedies that you can use at home. These include using essential oils that help to ease headaches, in the form of a foot bath or massage. In addition, some supplements have been shown to be effective in the management of head pain, including certain kinds of vitamins and magnesium.
Severe Cases
For more advanced cases, you may need to make use of prescription medications such as codeine and other opioids as your barometric pressure headache remedies. Ergotamines and Triptans are also commonly used for this purpose, as well as anti-nausea medication to offset the severe secondary symptoms.
Take note that these drugs are far more potent compared to OTC medications. This means that you should take care, and be aware that these pharmaceuticals could affect your daily functioning.
Conclusion
This article has presented readers with an overview of barometric pressure headache remedies, as well as the condition itself, and what causes it. This discussion has focused primarily on the different ways to treat this condition, as well as the different kinds of medications that can be prescribed for this particular condition.
Overall, this type of headache is associated with changes in pressure, whether this is due to the weather or altitude. Therefore, it helps to be aware of whether of not you are sensitive to these kinds of changes when you are travelling, as it is likely that you won’t usually experience these kinds of symptoms in daily life, as you will have become accustomed to your surroundings.
