When should you seek immediate medical attention if you have a headache?

Báo Hà Tĩnh•23/04/2023

When you have a headache, you can take paracetamol to temporarily relieve the pain, but you shouldn't use it for a long time because it can be harmful to the liver.

My job is quite stressful and I often experience headaches. When that happens, I usually take paracetamol immediately, and the symptoms subside. Doctor, is this habit harmful?

Dr. Le Ngo Minh Nhu, MD, MSc - Clinic of the Five Senses (ENT - Ophthalmology, Traditional Medicine), University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3 - answers:

Headaches are caused by many factors and can appear suddenly or last for days. Whenever you have a headache, you feel tired, and your ability to study and work is diminished. Choosing a quick pain reliever to regain alertness is natural. The most frequently chosen medication is Paracetamol, and many people wonder if this habit is harmful. To answer this question, we will explore its effects, dosage, and contraindications as follows:

Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) is an active ingredient that provides temporary pain relief for mild to moderate pain (headaches, toothaches, aches and pains from colds, menstrual cramps, etc.) and reduces fever.

Dosage: Adults and children > 12 years: 500-1000mg every 4-6 hours (not exceeding 4g/day). Children 6-12 years: 250-500mg (maximum 4 times/day). Paracetamol should not be used for pain relief for more than 10 days (adults) or more than 5 days (children).

Side effects: Overdosing can cause liver and kidney toxicity with symptoms such as dark urine, jaundice, yellowing of the eyes, and dark yellow urine; in more dangerous cases, it can lead to death. Serious reactions may also occur: rash, skin eruptions, swelling of the face, lips, and tongue, and difficulty breathing.

Contraindications: People with liver or kidney disease, alcoholism, frequent stimulant use, or hypersensitivity to the drug's components.

In summary, paracetamol is a relatively safe pain reliever when used at the recommended dosage; however, it can cause liver toxicity when used in high doses or for prolonged periods. Therefore, only use the medication as prescribed by your doctor.

What causes headaches and migraines?

Primary headaches: These are headaches caused by dysfunction or overactivity of pain-sensitive structures in the head. The most common types include migraine headaches, tension headaches, cluster headaches, headaches due to unhealthy lifestyles (staying up late, nutritional deficiencies), and headaches due to poor posture in the neck and back.

Secondary headaches: These are headaches that occur due to anatomical damage or infection in the head and neck region, such as headaches from dental infections, sinusitis, temporal arteritis, cerebral hemorrhage, encephalitis, meningitis, or brain tumors.

Additionally, headaches can be caused by pain in various cranial nerves.

Warning signs of a dangerous headache that require a doctor's visit include: Headaches starting after age 50; changes in the nature or type of pain compared to previous headaches; unusually severe headaches; headaches that worsen with coughing or physical activity; and headaches that progressively worsen.

Additionally, headaches can be accompanied by changes in personality, behavior, and mental function. Headaches may also be accompanied by fever, stiff neck, confusion, memory loss, decreased alertness, or neurological symptoms such as difficulty speaking, weakness in the limbs, seizures, and redness or pain in the eyes. Headaches can also occur after head trauma. Headaches can also occur in people with cancer or weakened immune systems.

Traditional medicine offers several methods for treating headaches, such as aromatherapy and acupressure massage. When experiencing a headache, you can use techniques such as rubbing, pressing, and massaging acupoints on the head, face, and neck to relieve pain. Certain essential oils like peppermint, licorice, lemon, ginger, and lemongrass help relax, open the senses, and refresh the mind, thus reducing headaches and promoting better sleep.

You should increase your daily exercise. You can practice Qigong to improve blood circulation, increase blood flow to the head and face, which helps reduce headaches, relax, and sleep better.

According to VNN

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