What's causing your headache – you'd be surprised – and what you can do about it
MANILA, Philippines — Headache is commonplace phenomenon that happens even to the healthiest of us—but what are they?
According to neurologist Norman Harden, a headache is pain felt in the head or face, sometimes upper neck. There are also pain-sensitive structures in the head and face that generate headaches, such as skin, bone and structures in the eyes, nose, mouth and even the jaw and teeth. The brain, while many believe is where headaches come from, is not pain sensitive and therefore not a source.
There are many reasons why we get a headache. Some common ones, and others surprising and unexpected! Here, we list down some:
1. Influenza
Of all the causes of headaches and fevers, having the flu warrants top spot. According to a 2016 national survey, the flu is most prevalent between June to November, coinciding with the monsoon season. It is transmitted via droplets through coughing talking and sneezing or by contact with whatever the infected person has come into contact with.
2. Vaccination
When you get inoculated with whatever type of vaccine, the body gets to working to build a certain level of immunity against disease. In consequence, you may experience headache and fever, among other side effects.
3. Weather
You don’t have to be ill to experience a headache or a fever. Sometimes, the environment you’re in, especially factoring in the seasons, is the prime suspect. Changes in weather and temperature are triggers for head pain. So too are atmospheric pollen during certain times of the year—they can trigger allergies and sinus infections, which can lead to a fever.
4. Weekend headache
Weekends are usually reserved for sleeping in or relaxing while doing slow and leisurely activities, so it makes to skip or delay your caffeine intake.
But this particular headache is caused by caffeine withdrawal, usually beginning 12 to 24 hours after your last sip, after having constantly gotten coffee in the mornings throughout the work week.
5. Sugar headache
A bit of caution for folks with a bit of a sweet tooth or those who like to carbo load: Sugar or carbs may be a cause of headaches, according to neurology professor Dr. Peter Goadsby. Foods high in sugar or refined carbohydrates lead to a spike in blood sugar, triggering what’s called “reactive hypoglycemia,” a condition where too much insulin results in low blood sugar—and headache is one of the symptoms.
6. Altitude headache
Got plans for a trip to the highlands soon? Well, that can be a cause for a headache. According to the UK National Health Service, traveling to high altitudes, where there could be a significant change in barometric pressure, can lead to altitude sickness or what is otherwise known as acute mountain sickness, of which headache is a primary symptom.
Manage fever and headache
When it comes to headaches, mild and moderate pains, and fever, there’s always Paracetamol (Biogesic). This brand has been caring for generations of Filipinos for over 50 years and is even the most prescribed brand among oral pain and fever medicines. It can also be taken on an empty stomach.
Keep Paracetamol (Biogesic) handy at home and experience the care it gives.
For more information, visit www.unilab.com.ph/biogesic/alagang-biogesic or www.facebook.com/biogesic. To purchase Paracetamol (Biogesic), you can go to your nearest Mercury Drug Stores, Watsons and South Star Drug nationwide or purchase via ecommerce at Shopee and Lazada.
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
References:
1. “What is a headache?” (1998). Scientific American. Obtained from: https://www.
2. “What causes a fever?” (2005). Scientific American. Obtained from: https://www.
3. Lucero, Marilla G., et al. "National Influenza Surveillance in the Philippines from 2006 to 2012: seasonality and circulating strains" (2016). BMC Infectious Diseases. Obtained from: https://bmcinfectdis.
4. "Influenza". Department of Health. Obtained from: https://doh.gov.ph/Health-
5. Etudo, Margaret. "Can Allergies Raise Your Body Temperature?" (2022). Verywell Health. Obtained from: https://www.verywellhealth.
6. "Ear infection (middle ear)". Mayo Clinic. Obtained from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/
7. Godman, Heidi. "5 unusual headaches: Signs to watch for and what to do" (2021). Harvard Health Publishing. Obtained from: https://www.health.harvard.
8. Callahan, Alice. "Why Do Carbs Give Me Headaches?" (2022). The New York Times. Obtained from: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/
9. "Altitude sickness". National Health Service (NHS) UK. Obtained from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
10. Maini, Kushagra and Schuster, Nathaniel M. "Headache and Barometric Pressure: a Narrative Review" (2019). National Library of Medicine. Obtained from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.
ASC Ref. No.: U175P091322BS
