Reducing Your Risk of Headache

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Knowing what triggers headaches can help to lower the risk of them happening. Some common triggers are:

Some Foods and Drinks

Some foods and drinks can trigger headaches. They may need to be avoided.

Do not miss meals or fast. This can also trigger headaches.

Alcohol and Smoking

Even a small amount of alcohol can lead to headaches. It can also cause swelling of nasal and sinus tissues. This can lead to sinus headaches.

Smoking can also worsen headaches. Second-hand smoke and pollution should also be avoided.

Lack of Sleep

Staying on a sleep schedule will help you get better sleep. It helps ease tension.

Sleeping and waking at the same times may help prevent headaches.

Allergens

Allergic reactions raise the amount of mucus in and swelling of the nasal passages. This can lead to sinus headaches.

References

Cluster headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/cluster-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Headache information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Headache-Information-Page. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Migraine in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/migraine-in-adults. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Tension-type headache. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/tension-type-headache. Accessed March 9, 2022.

Revision Information

Reviewer: EBSCO Medical Review Board Rimas Lukas, MD
Review Date: 11/2021
Update Date: 03/09/2022

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.