Weather changes usually cause certain reactions in our body, such as headaches. Throughout this text we are going to explain why they happen, if it happens the same with cold as with heat, what are the symptoms of this type of headache and, most importantly, when we have to worry and go to the doctor.
Random, sporadic headaches don't have to be a sign of illness. They can occur due to exhaustion, stress, fear, nerves, they can be the result of a blow, or having slept badly, not being well hydrated, etc. But when there is a change of time, they also appear. Let's see it in detail.
Why does the head ache?
Headaches can occur due to changes in the weather caused by barometric pressure . These types of headaches are more common in people who are already prone to headaches, but don't be fooled; anyone who doesn't usually suffer from headaches can also experience discomfort and unease with weather changes.
These discomforts tend to be more common when the seasons change, but they can also occur on random days, for example, when after several days of good weather, today is very cloudy.
Headaches arise after a sudden change or an intense physical stimulus. Lifestyle, diet, sports and routines in general can help us trigger these crises, or better cope with them.
Thus, a sudden change in the weather, and a bad diet or bad lifestyle habits, can make those headaches worse. For example, an excess of sunlight without using protection (glasses and creams), a lot of wind and walking against it, very cold and going without shelter, an electrical storm and being very exposed to it, a high percentage of humidity and not hydrating well, etc.
cold headache
This headache is known as cold stimulus headache and usually occurs when temperatures are lower than our body can tolerate. Let's remember that everyone has a cold threshold. There are those who wear short sleeves at 15 degrees and others who need a scarf and gloves.
When we are very cold, blood vessels constrict to prevent heat loss from the body, and then dilate as they relax, allowing blood flow to increase and regulate body temperature. This sudden change can reduce blood flow to the brain and cause pain . All of this disappears when the body adapts to the temperature or warms up again.
When this cold stimulus wears off, the "brain freeze" wears off and the blood vessels resume their normal dilation and the headache usually disappears.
This type of headache, as a general rule, does not cause any damage to the body or the brain, as long as exposure to cold is controlled and for a short time, for example, going for a walk with some friends.
headache with heat
When it's hot, headaches also tend to increase at this time of year and are often related to lack of hydration or excessive sun exposure.
Unlike in cold weather, when temperatures rise, our blood vessels dilate excessively, a process known as vasodilation , meaning our veins increase in diameter. This allows the body to regulate its temperature, but it can have consequences such as headaches.
To avoid these pains, you have to stay cool, hydrated, protected from heat and improve your diet, introducing fresh, easy-to-digest and highly nutritious foods. If we have a poor diet, we are very exposed to the sun and high temperatures and we are also not well hydrated, all these triggers will result in headaches, and can lead to serious situations such as fainting due to heat.
Symptom
The symptoms are very clear, but it depends on each one, since it can be linked to other causes such as not having rested well, or being well hydrated, having overexerted, etc. in that case, it may be a headache due to weather change, but intensified by other causes, so the symptoms may vary.
- Pulse fast, but weak.
- Weakness or feeling tired.
- Dizziness
- Nausea.
- Cold skin.
- Intense headache with pressure in front and sides.
- Sensitivity in the scalp.
- Tension in the neck and shoulder muscles.
- Pressure in the back of the head.
- Sensitivity to noise and sudden movements.
When should I be concerned?
As we have said, these types of headaches, also known as headaches, are very common in changes in weather, or when there are somewhat extreme situations such as low temperatures or a lot of exposure to the sun and heat.
We should always be concerned if this situation is very common, if there is persistent dizziness, drops in blood pressure, if we hear a high-pitched ringing in our ears and stop hearing for several seconds or minutes , if we lose our sight for several minutes, if there are spasms, nosebleeds, intense headaches, loss of balance, tremors in our arms and legs, very slight or very rapid heartbeats, etc.
That is when we should immediately go to a specialist, since that simple headache can trigger a greater evil, or simply our body is warning us that there is something that is not working as it should.
Factors riesgo
Throughout the text we have given some clues about the risk factors that cause these headaches. Not having good lifestyle habits is the most common, since diet, sports and correct hydration help the body to function well on a daily basis.
Prolonged exposure to cold or heat is also a risk factor for these headaches, which can become more complicated, especially during periods of high temperatures.
Exercising during weather changes is not dangerous, but if we already suffer from headaches and overexert ourselves , we may increase the chances of suffering from bothersome headaches.
Another risk factor can be your current health, whether it's having a cold, menstruating , fasting for a medical test, etc. All of this can increase headaches due to the change in weather.