Dehydration Headache

Water accounts for almost 70% of the human body. Dehydration refers to loss of excess body fluid, which can occur due to loss of water in amounts greater than its intake. However, dehydration not only means loss of fluid, it also refers to loss of electrolytes, which are required for carrying out several vital functions of the body. A considerable amount of water is lost daily in activities like, urinating, sweating and even breathing. If the amount of lost fluid is not replenished with adequate intake, then it can result in dehydration. If due to dehydration, the level of water in the body gets reduced below the level required for maintaining the vital functions of the body, then it can manifest in several symptoms including, headache. So, a dehydration headache is basically a headache, that develops when the level of water in the body reduces significantly. Other than headache, it can cause fatigue, dizziness, muscle cramps, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat and dry, flushed skin.

What Causes Dehydration Headache?

As the name suggests, it is caused by the loss of excess fluid from the body or dehydration. But, how exactly dehydration causes headache is not very clear. It is usually assumed that when the level of water significantly reduces in the body, the body tries to conserve the remaining water. To do so, it constricts the blood vessels, which in turn reduces the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain. Sometimes, there may also be spasms of the blood vessels, which too can result in a reduction in the supply of oxygen and blood to the brain. All these can cause headache. Moreover, due to dehydration, the body loses some very important electrolytes, which are crucial for various functions of the body.

Dehydration can result from a number of factors including, not drinking enough fluid. Sometimes, it can also be caused by excessive intake of certain beverages like, coffee and alcohol, which have diuretic properties. Over consumption of coffee or alcohol combined with inadequate intake of water can sometimes cause severe dehydration. A large amount of water is also drained out of the body while exercising, playing sports and performing any strenuous activities. In fact, dehydration can be one of the most important causes of headache after exercise. Even medications such as, diuretics, antihistamines, calcium channel blockers can cause loss of considerable amount of water. Sometimes, dehydration can be associated with certain medical conditions like, diabetes, and kidney and adrenal gland disorders.

How to Get Rid of Dehydration Headache?

It can be caused by dehydration can be felt on the front, back or one side of the head. The pain caused by such a headache can also be felt throughout the entire head. The pain is often worsened by activities like, bending the head or moving it sideways. The most effective way to get rid of this condition is to drink water. However, dehydration also causes the loss of important electrolytes like, potassium and sodium. In this regard, sport drinks can be helpful, as they not only replenish fluid, but the essential electrolytes as well. Do not take coffee or alcohol, as these beverages are dehydrating. If the pain does not alleviate with sufficient fluid intake, then you can take over the counter pain relievers.

How to Prevent Dehydration Headache?

Drinking plenty of water is the most simple treatment for this condition. Usually, it is considered that one should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water daily to replenish the water lost in the form of urine and sweat. Experts are of the opinion that one should drink about 40 ounce of water for per 100 pounds of body weight. However, the water requirement of the body can increase in certain instances. As for example, increased physical activities can significantly increase the water requirements of the body. Similarly, one needs to drink more water in warmer weather or climate, while taking certain medications, at high altitude and in certain health conditions like, cold or fever, diarrhea, vomiting, diabetes, kidney diseases and adrenal disorders.

One should also drink more water after taking coffee and alcohol. To sum up, one should drink lots of water on observing any of the symptoms of dehydration, in order to cure and prevent severe headache. Many people think that thirst is the only symptom of dehydration and so, if they are not feeling thirsty, they are not dehydrated. This a completely wrong notion, as one can become dehydrated without feeling very thirsty and get headache. So, along with thirst, do not forget to observe the other symptoms of dehydration. Some of the most important indicators are frequency of urination, as well as the color of urine. If urine is dark yellow in color, the volume is less and the frequency of urination has reduced, then it can be a sign of dehydration. In such a situation, one should immediately replenish the body with water and fluids that contain important electrolytes.