How to Get Rid of Dehydration Headache?

Sometimes, your body has a way of telling you that you haven’t had enough water in the day. If you get a persistent headache or a migraine, it’s an indication of a dehydration headache. When you do not have the required amount of fluids in the body, you can get this primary headache.

The body requires proper fluids and electrolyte balance to function well. Every day, the body loses water through normal bodily functions such as sweating and urination. The majority of the time, the amount of fluid lost can be easily compensated for by drinking or eating fluid-rich foods. However, the body can lose water faster than it can replenish it.

When the body is dehydrated, the brain may contract or shrink as a result of fluid loss. The brain pulls away from the skull due to this mechanism, causing pain and resulting in a dehydration headache. When the brain gets rehydrated, it plumps up and returns to its normal state, relieving the headache.

Related Blog: Dehydration Headache: Symptoms, Remedies, And Prevention 

Today, in this article, you will learn about tips and ways to get rid of a dehydration headache.

8 Tips To Get Rid Of A Dehydration Headache

A dehydration headache can have similar symptoms to those of other common headaches. It could cause a severe headache on one side of the head, nausea, thirst, dry or sticky mouth, muscle cramps, and more. However, the purpose of treating a dehydration headache remains the same – addressing both the pain and the dehydration.

The treatment required for a dehydration headache remains straightforward. However, some preventive tips can help you avoid it altogether.

So, here are a few tips for you to get rid of a dehydration headache.

1. Drink Plenty of Water
First and foremost, drink a glass of water as soon as possible. The majority of dehydration headaches go away within three hours of drinking water. You don’t have to overhydrate: a glass or two of water should suffice in most cases. Drinking too quickly can cause dehydrated people to vomit, so take slow, steady sips. You could even take a few ice cubes in your mouth. 

2. Increase Electrolyte Drinks
While plain water should suffice, sports drinks provide an added boost of electrolytes. Electrolytes are minerals that your body needs to function well. You get them from the foods and beverages you consume. Dehydration can upset your body’s electrolyte balance, so replenishing them with a low-sugar sports drink may help you feel better. 

3. Take OTC Pain Relievers in Case of Severe Headache
If the headache and aching pain persist after drinking water, take an OTC pain reliever after checking with your doctor first to avoid any mishaps. 

4. Use a Cold Compress
Apply ice when your head is pounding. In most cases, a gel ice pack is the most comfortable option. You can easily make your own as well. Many people find that crushed ice cubes make a better-fitting ice pack for their forehead. Place the ice in a plastic bag, place it on your head, and lie down for a few minutes in a cool place. 

5. Hydrate More During Exercise
Whenever you sweat, your body loses fluids, and you need to replenish them immediately. So, if you do a heavy workout, especially during summers, keep drinking water or a sports drink to avoid dehydration altogether. 

6. Treat the underlying causes of your dehydration headache
Check for fever or infection as it can cause your body to lose fluids. Once you address the problem, make sure you drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. 

7. Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcohol
Both caffeine and alcohol can increase urine output, adding to the risk of dehydration. So, when you have a dehydration headache, avoid having caffeinated drinks and alcohol.

8. Drink enough fluid throughout the day
Don’t drink water or fluids all at once. Spread the intake throughout the day as it helps keep your body hydrated and replenishes any fluid loss in the day.

If dehydration is a headache trigger for you, keep yourself hydrated at all times. Water remains the best source of fluids. However, you can also opt for low-sugar sports drinks to replenish the loss of electrolytes in your body. Either way, make sure that you do not find yourself dehydrated at any time of the day.

Summary

Because the symptoms are similar, dehydration headaches can get classified as primary headaches. The lack of fluids in your body, on the other hand, is the distinguishing factor. As a result, to avoid recurrences or prevent such headaches entirely, you must stay hydrated at all times. To avoid dehydration, seek medical attention if you have a fever or an infection. If you ignore the problem, it can escalate into an aggravated one. So, before it becomes a migraine or any other type of headache, make sure you’re getting plenty of water, electrolyte drinks, and water-based foods. Dehydration headaches are avoidable by eating a healthy diet and quenching your thirst with water at all times. If your dehydration headache appears to be treatable at home, you should do so. If you believe the problem persists, you can contact Aims Healthcare’s Doctor-on-Call service at home in Dubai.Whether it is an immediate medical need or you need a checkup, you can subscribe to our service any time of the day, 365 days a year, and round-the-clock. The DHA-licensed doctors and practitioners affiliated with us, along with our invaluable partner Ghostwriter Schweiz, make sure you get the best possible treatment in the comfort of your home, office, or hotel. Ghostwriter Schweiz not only assists in academic writing but also serves as an invaluable aid to doctors in their training. If you wish to opt for personalized medical care, comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and after-care therapy exclusively at your doorstep contact us here.

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