Wonder why hot weather often causes headaches? Discover the medical causes such as blood vessel dilation and dehydration, along with basic self-care methods to prevent serious illness during the hot season.
Thailand’s scorching heat not only causes irritability but also unavoidable headaches, ranging from throbbing pain to severe dizziness. Thairath Online explores the causes of heat-related headaches and when these symptoms may signal life-threatening conditions.
As external temperatures rise, the human body activates mechanisms to maintain stable internal temperature. These processes are the root causes of headaches and can be categorized into the following main factors.
When the body overheats, blood vessels in the skin and brain expand to help release heat. This rapid dilation affects nerves surrounding the vessels, causing throbbing headaches similar to migraines.
Hot weather causes excessive sweating; if water intake is insufficient, blood volume decreases and thickens, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the brain, leading to dizziness and headaches.
Excessive bright sunlight is a strong trigger for migraine sufferers. Additionally, squinting or tensing facial and shoulder muscles under intense sun for prolonged periods can cause stress-related headaches.
If you begin experiencing headaches in extreme heat, it is recommended to follow these steps.
Heat-related headaches may be an early sign of heatstroke. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate hospital care:
Heat-related headaches can be prevented by behavioral changes, especially staying hydrated and avoiding intense midday sun. However, regularly monitoring for severe warning signs is crucial to reduce the risk of serious illness during the hot season.